Brand name clothing

As a smaller brand within the clothing design industry, how can you compete against the bigger brand names without email marketing?

You don't have the kind of money to buy print media or TV ads to expand your client base. On top of that, you don't have the expensive, fancy tools big companies use to keep their clients coming back. Email marketing helps you retain your clients by helping you promote your brand and make your customers feel appreciated. Email marketing solutions only require a few minutes of your time, and what you get are professionally designed email advertising campaigns sent directly to your customers.

So here's how you start: The first thing you have to do is collect a list of emails. There are a number of ways to do this, but one effective method is to get your customers to sign up by offering them a discount, like '5% off every order this month if you sign up for our email database.' Anyone who is satisfied with your service will want to receive the same merchandise at a lower cost, especially if it means that they will receive a 'preferred customer promotion' for doing so.

Congratulations! You now have your first contacts. The next step is to sign up for an email marketing account. Signing up is easy, because most email marketing solutions are so simple that anyone can take advantage them. Now, cycle through the professionally-designed templates and create your first campaign. Building your campaign is also an easy process. Email marketing provides you with user-friendly templates so that all you have to do is input your text (or you can copy and paste it, if you want), and add your images. Here are a few tricks to think about when using your email marketing to create a campaign: Do not use excessive bolding, italics, and capital lettering in the main section or the subject line of your email. Also, try not to put too many pictures of your products without also adding content to support the images. Symbols like dollar signs in your subject line or exclamation points should be avoided as well. All these techniques commonly used to attract attention also end up attracting spam filters. If you overuse them, your email will not go into your subscribers' inbox, but rather into their spam or junk mail box.

When you are ready, just click a button to schedule your email marketing campaign and it will automatically go out to the people on your list at the date and time you selected.

Now that your email marketing campaign is finished and has arrived in your buyers' inbox, you will be able to track which of your customers are interested in your promotions. One of the great things about email marketing is that it can track 'clicks', and 'opens.' This gives you a percentage breakdown and analysis of which of your customers are opening and clicking on the promotions you have included in your email. Also, by adding a 'forward to friend' button, you will be able enhance your mailing list, and have a greater chance to gain more customers.

As a clothing-designer, using email marketing will have a large impact on how many return customers you have, which will positively affect sales. Email marketing can provide you with added business and potentially grow your client base over time. This is a cost effective way to keep on par with larger brand competitors and maximize your brand's potential. You might be small, but now you can plan for bigger things.

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The 4 Different Types Of Leather You Should Know

No individual leather is best for every situation or design preference. Below are some facts regarding the various types of leather used in furniture manufacturing that will be helpful to you, the consumer.Before you purchase that piece of high quality leather furniture you need to know the four types of leather and the differences between them. Whether the leather be Nubuck, Full Aniline, Semi-Aniline or Distressed leather it ultimately comes down to which leather suits the situation best.Here are very basic descriptions of the four types of leather.
By knowing which leather fits certain situations best and the maintenance involved with each type of leather you can make the best decision before you purchase.

Nubuck Leather is also commonly referred to as "brushed" leather. Nubuck leather is very much like suede in feel but Nubuck is thicker and stronger. Nubuck leather is very resilient to wear but not at all resilient to stains. Making this type of leather a poor choice for high use every day living areas.


Full Aniline Leather, sometimes the term "naked" leather is used when referring to this type of leather. This leather comes from only high quality hides that produce an extremely soft and delicate leather. Full Aniline leather undergoes the least amount of processing allowing it to breath, making it very comfortable in all temperatures. Full Aniline Leather is very vulnerable to discoloration from direct sunlight


Distressed Leather is also known as "waxed" leather. The reason for the name is because of the use of waxes to create an antique, rustic, well used look. The waxes used also contribute to the leather aging well after years of use. Distressed "waxed" Leather is best for many years of heavy usage and requires very little maintenance.


Semi-Aniline Leather is primarily the same as Aniline Leather except for the difference of being treated with a protective coating. This allows for stain protection and better consistency of color. This form of leather is best for furniture that is going to be heavily used. This leather also requires the least amount of maintenance and care.

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All leather produced from animal skins

During the ancient times, countless things have been made out of leather. It has been passed on from generation to generation and onto the leather that leaves a mark or a fashion statement in this era. Examples of these items are shoes and belts. In addition to this, leather jackets, protective aprons, hats and even pants have been created from leather. Thus, amongst these items, leather boots have come a long way in proving its durability.

Leather is known to be produced from animal skins. Any animal can be used to produce leather. However, to date, the thickest and strongest known skin best made into leather is cow skin. Once the butcher has already slaughtered the animal, the next thing he would do is to skin the animal. After this, the butcher would give the skin to a tanner, a person who makes leather. The tanner is the one in charge in making this piece of skin into leather, for leather bags, shoes, belts and boots.

In the olden times, people used different techniques in producing leather. After scraping of the flesh from the animal by using a bone, stone scraper or a metal knife, they would put a kind of chemical or salt on the skin in order to process it. Some even used urine back then. The tanners also collected urine from toilets in public areas as well as from certain homes. After collecting the urine, they would let it stand for about a week until the urine turns into ammonia, which they would put onto the skin so as to cure it. These processes are the ones used by tanners before just to create leather.

Aside from this, during the ancient times as well, countless things have been made out of leather. These were passed on from generations and up to now; they are still being produced and worn by leather lovers. Examples of these items are shoes and belts. In addition to this, leather jackets, protective aprons, hats and even pants have been created from leather. Hence, starting from the good old west where leather boots had a masculine statement for men; it still has that effect on those who love riding motorcycles, motorbikes and Harley’s these days. Women have also taken a fancy on these leather boots. This is from sexy lingerie to nightlife outfits. Boots have become a fashion statement that brings out an aura of sexiness to whoever wears one.

Forms of leather

In these modern times, various processes are utilized in order to turn animal skin into another useful material called leather.

• Vegetable-tanned leather is processed by tanning it with the use of tannin as well as several ingredients derived from tree barks, vegetable matter, as well as other sources. It has a supple texture and its color is usually brown.

• Chrome-tanned leather is tanned by means of chromium sulfate and several chromium salts. This leather has a more supple texture. It is also more pliable as compared to vegetable-tanned leather. Having this advantage, it does not easily discolor nor lose its shape when exposed to water unlike in the case of having it vegetable-tanned. It has a wet-blue color due to the effects of chromium.

• Aldehyde-tanned leather is subjected under the treatment of glutaraldehyde or other oxazolidine compounds. It is considered as wet-white leather because it has a white or pale cream coloration. This kind of leather is mainly used for chrome-free leather such as infant's shoes as well as automobiles.

• Synthetic-tanned leather is known to be tanned with aromatic polymers. It is color white. This type of leather was invented due to the shortage of vegetable tannins back in the Second World War.

• Alum-tanned leather is cured with aluminum salts which are mixed with various binders as well as protein sources like egg yolk flour, etc. This kind of leather has a very light shade of leather and is not as supple as Vegetable-tanned leather.

• Rawhide is produced through the scraping of the animal skin until it becomes thin after which it will be soaked in lime. After soaking the skin, it will then be stretched while it is dried. This kind of “leather” is not considered as a genuine kind “of leather. It is just usually mixed with other forms of leather. It is much stiffer as well as more brittle as compared to other leather forms. In addition, it is mainly used for items that are not flexed significantly like drum heads. Moreover, it can be cut up in order to form cords that are used for stitching, lacing, as well as for dog chews.

To improve the leather’s water resistance, it is usually oiled with natural oils. This can improve the leather’s lifespan. Furthermore, leather that has hair not removed from it is known as hair-on leather.

Leather Types

In general, leather is sold in three forms:

• Full-Grain leather or Top-Grain is known to be hides that haven’t been buffed, snuffed or sanded. The only thing removed is the hair from the skin. The grain is still in its original state, thus, retaining its fiber strength and durability. In addition, natural grain has good breathability which results to a more comfortable type of clothing.

• Corrected-Grain leather is known to be a kind of Top-Grain leather with its surfaces buffed, snuffed or sanded so as to be able to take out imperfections on its surface brought about by bites, scars or also brands.

• Split leather is produced from fibrous parts of hide that has been left once the raw hide’s top-grain is segmented from the split hide. This type of leather can also be utilized in order to make suede.

Other known leathers that are less-common include:

• Buckskin or brained
• Patent leather
• Sharpen
• Hachette leather
• Slink
• Deer Skin
• Nubuck

Descriptions of leathers used for specialty products like wallets, briefcases, and luggage.

• Belting leather
• Nappa leather

The following leather is not regarded as genuine leathers, yet they do have leather materials:

• Bonded Leather
• Bicast leather

With regards to boots, there are different styles of leather boots. This would include:

• Ankle Boots
• Chukka Boots
• Cowboy Boots
• Duck Boots
• Field Boots
• High Heel Boots
• Hiking & Climbing Boots
• Knee High Boots
• Mid Calf Boots
• Motorcycle Boots
• Rain Boots
• Ski Boots
• Snow Boots
• Snowboard Boots
• Steel Toe Boots
• Stiletto Boots
• Thigh High Boots
• Waterproof Boots
• Work Boots

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Outback Clothing

Now firmly established in the U.S. market place as one of the most popular forms of outdoor wear, the introduction of outback styled clothing first made it's initial appearance several years ago.
It all began with the 1986 movie hit "Crocodile Dundee", when a rough and tumble Aussie by the name of Mick Dundee won the hearts of millions with his quick wit, cavalier attitude, and heroic antics. What also caught people's attention in the blockbuster film that year were the rugged, yet stylish clothes that Mick was wearing. With his black leather hat adorned with crocodile teeth, sturdy walkabout pants, and alligator vest displaying his manly chest, Dundee portrayed the quintessential Australian outback hero.

Shortly after the release of the legendary film, people began appearing on the streets of America wearing similar hats, vests, and pants, and the surge of Australian outback fashion was in full swing.What started as a trendy spin-off of a bigger than life character soon found it's way into the mainstream world of fashion in a more practical sense. People began to realize that not only was outback clothing stylish, but it also provided the wearer superb protection from the elements.One such group were the millions of horseback riders who discovered that oilskin coats offered the perfect solution for riding apparel . Providing the ultimate in cold and wet weather protection, Duster oilskin coats are generously cut to allow freedom of movement, especially across the back and shoulders. They are also equipped with an extension in the back of the garment to protect the seat of the horse rider's saddle, in addition to leg straps to keep the coat securely in place during strong wind, and sleeves that are extra long to protect the arms while extended.And for summer riding, lightweight outback hats with their wide brims and ample ventilation provide an excellent safeguard from the damaging effects of the sun's ultraviolet rays.

Infused with a unique natural oil based formula, outback oilskin apparel offers outstanding defense against sun, wind, snow, and rain. Oilskin coats, jackets, hats and pants provide an impenetrable water barrier that keeps you bone dry and able to keep riding, even through the heaviest rain.

Not limited just to Equestrians, hikers, campers, and motorcycle enthusiasts also began to utilize the exceptional weather resistant qualities of outback clothing, establishing it as one of the most stylish and effective forms of waterproof outerwear available.

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Order Clothing

Today people have no more time to look at a shop window to select an item. Plus, tastes and preferences have also changed greatly as they do over time.As a matter of fact, the traditional method of shopping has gone with the wind. Now-a-days, if you need to buy anything, you either buy online or go for mail order shopping. However, mail order clothing could be tricky. Take for example the problem of sizing. Size eight from one store stands for size ten in another, since different brands have different sizing systems. So, unless you are acquainted with the sizing method of the shop you have selected, it would be a waste of time and money to go for mail order clothing.Television shopping channels and online catalogues pose similar problems. Their views on the topic are nevertheless, persuasive. Since we all are different shapes and sizes, they argue, our clothes come in different shapes and sizes too.
Apart from the size, mail order clothing fabric also requires your attention. In the case of a stay-at-home mother who spends a few hours with the children outdoors, silk may not be suitable for her.

So you need to select carefully. Then different fabrics require different treatment. Whatever is good for the linen may not be good for polyester. Mail ordering clothing thus creates confusion and hassles. Those who are very attentive to their laundry may indulge in mail order clothing since they can take the time to check each fabric and treat it accordingly. But most of us are in the habit of dumping all the laundry into the wash machine and turning it on. The end result, as you can appreciate, is far from satisfactory.
Despite all the inconveniences, mail order clothing has come to stay simply because no one has the time to do actual shopping and online shopping for clothing has more problems than mail order clothing.

Another important factor could be the budget that includes one’s timeframe. Hours saved on shopping may be lost in weeks waiting for the mail order clothing to reach the destination. Besides, shipping costs could be considerable if the distance between the supplier and the customer is great.

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The Basic Clothing Every Camper Needs

The motto of an experienced camper is “Be Prepared”. This motto rings true, especially if you are going to camp in an area where the temperatures can become cold. Bringing the appropriate camping gear can be a balancing act; you don’t want to bring too much camping gear as it will weigh you down. On the other hand, you don’t want to not have enough camping gear and be stuck freezing in the dead of night. Following is camping gear that you should wear to ensure that you will be prepared and have an enjoyable camping experience.The appropriate clothing is critical to your comfort during your camping trip. Dress in layers. Wearing layers of clothing enables you to have the luxury of removing layers when the weather is warm and piling on the layers when the weather is cold. Without layers, you may find yourself sweating profusely in the heat or shivering in the cold.

Wind is usually a factor when you are out in the wilderness. Therefore, it is recommended to bring a wind breaker jacket. Most camping stores will provide a wide variety of wind breaker jackets that are also water proof and provide ample amount of pockets for storage. Synthetic materials also fight against the winter elements. Synthetic materials ward off cold and also dry up any moisture you may release if you sweat. Try several jackets on until you find one that is not only comfortable, but seals off any drafts to the outside air.Sturdy hiking boots that are waterproof is a must. Experienced campers wear sock liners in addition to wool socks. Your feet may retain moisture which can dampen your camping experience. Sock liners will help keep your feet comfortably dry. Don’t forget to bring extra pairs of socks!

Make sure to cover your face and head with a hat and scarf. Most of your body heat is lost through you head. Plus, a hat and scarf can shield you from the harmful and tiring effects of the sun and wind. Wear thick gloves, water proof gloves that provide thorough insulation for your hands.Let’s talk about your sleeping bag. Finding the right sleeping bag is critical because it is the camping “clothing” you will be wearing when you are resting. Therefore, don’t use the sleeping bag that has been hiding in your attic or basement. You need a sleeping bag that is specifically designed for camping. The sleeping bag should have adjustable straps so you can fit it snuggly around your body. Many sleeping bags have a liner which gives you added protection against the wind and cold.When you are ready to use your sleeping bag, keep the following things in mind. First, wear your hat to bed. Don’t lose heat through your noggin! Second, don’t wear the same socks you have worn all day to bed. They are no doubt stinky and may be wet. Put on a fresh, dry pair of socks. Third, you can add extra insulation and comfort to your sleeping bag by placing a down comforter inside of it. Wrap yourself thoroughly in the comforter and sleeping bag. Tie up any loose ends or drafty areas to prevent unwanted cold and moisture from seeping into your sleeping bag. Follow these tips and you will have a restful sleep.There you have it, the basic clothing you will need for your camping trip. Do keep in mind that you should take into account where you are going camping and what time of year. Your clothing choices will vary widely if you are just going to the local campground versus heading out to the uncharted trails of a mountain. Either way, “Be Prepared”!

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Wedding Dress Shopping

Top 10 tips when shopping for a wedding dress!

1. Pick up some bridal magazines or go to the library to browse their bridal magazines and get ideas for what styles you like. Sit down and search wedding websites for bridal wear. This will help you get a feel for what is out there and what you like.

2. Ask your friends, family, and coworkers where the good bridal stores are to go. Book an appointment with a reputable retailer. Make sure you allow yourself an hour to be at the bridal store.

3. Ask your closest friend, bridal party, parent or whom you feel comfortable with and trust to come shopping with you. Make it a fun day and make time for a lunch date.

4. Be upfront with the bridal consultant on the price you want to spend and keep in that range. The bridal consultant I had was excellent and I ended up getting my dress cheaper than what I planned on. This is a good time to show the bridal consultant pictures you have cut out or printed off. She/he can get a feel for your style.

5. Try on a couple of different styles. Be open to suggestion. You may discover that the dress you thought wasn’t very nice on the rack looks superb on you! Ask the bridal consultant what styles suite your body type. But remember, it has to be a wedding dress you feel comfortable, sexy, and beautiful in.

6. Only shop at 2 or 3 bridal stores in one day. It takes a lot of time and energy to try on wedding dresses. Don’t make any decisions that day. You need time to sleep on it.

7. If you have narrowed your search down to 2 or 3 dresses, get the name of the manufacturer or designer and check if another store carries the same bridal dress. I got my wedding dress across the street from one bridal shop for $300 cheaper. It can save you lots of money.

8. Don’t hesitate to try second hand bridal shops. You may find a dress for 50% off for the same dress you have chosen. But watch for tears, beads falling off and snags. It has to be in tip top shape for you!

9. Once you’ve decided on your wedding dress, wait until your final alterations are done to buy all your accessories. You may need a very high heel or a flat heel depending how the alterations worked out.

10. Be sure you have ordered your wedding dress way ahead of your wedding day! You will have a million things to plan for your wedding day! But at least you know you will look radiant in your wedding dress you carefully choose.

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Authentic Louis Vuitton

Are you tempted by the millions of websites that show authentic Louis Vuitton handbags at drastically reduced prices? Are you itching to make that major handbag purchase online? Well before you do you, you need to know one thing. There is only one place online that is authorized to sell new Louis Vuitton handbags.Although there are millions of online retailers desperately waiting for your online Louis Vuitton dollars, if you want a real Louis Vuitton your going to have to go to Eluxury. That is because only they have been authorized to sell them.So forget all the hype. Any Louis Vuitton handbag that is put on sale at drastically reduced prices other than Eluxury.com is definitely a fake. Even those great deals on Ebay are mostly fake handbags. Most of these bags are made in China with inferior materials that just do not stack up to the real thing.Furthermore, alot of these online retailers are very difficult to deal with. Some guarantee the authenticity of your item or your money back. However, when you receive your item and are shocked to find it is a fake, it is hard to get your money back.

So if your looking for that fabulous Louis Vuitton handbag at reduced prices online your probably going to be out of luck.

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Fashion Statement

Who says what your Fashion Statement is? You of course! So make sure you devine your own fashion statement! Each of us has our own likes, dislikes comfort zones, body shape & size, and life styles. It's wonderful to pick up your favorite fashion magazine to get some great ideas. But ideas can be revamped to meet your personal tastes. Perhaps my comfort zone is a loose fit, maybe yours is a very tailored or tight fit. I like turtle necks, you've got cleavage and like to show it. Maybe your a rancher and functional is important, or an office executive where a professional look is critical. Tweeds in and you hate tweed, then don't buy tweed. Hot colors are in but your skin is washed out, then stick to the colors that look good on you but perhaps dress them up with a little color. Low rise pants are in but they aren't attractive on you, then don't buy them. It's all wonderful and dandy for the fashion world to tell us what is in, what we should wear. But the bottom line is clothes that we buy and hang in the closet never to be warn are a waste of our money. Don't feel pressured to stay with the trends. Trends come and go. If you stick with your basics and then add a piece here and there that fits the current fashions you'll be much better off. So pick up the popular fashion magazines like Vogue, Style, or Elle. Have a flip through. Then take what you like and use it and toss the rest away. What really matters is that you feel "good" in the look you present. When you feel good about how you look your confidence level jumps, your happier, and your positive energy flows around you. If a pair of blue jeans with a tank top and big bold earrings is your thing then that's your fashion statement. If you like long skirts, heels, and gold jewelry then that's your fashion statement. Don't let anyone or anybody change you from who you are. Because you are your fashion statement. Now that's not to say we can't all take a lesson or so, get the creative juices flowing, or freshen our look. The magazines are terrific ways to do just that. There are plenty of great web sites that can also be very helpful. Don't forget accesories can spice up any outfit. Denim can be very classy with the right shoes and jewelry. Your black dress can become quite informal and fun with the right jewelry or belt. Change the entire look of an outfit with your accesories. Utilize all your wardrobe by mixing and matching pieces, jewelry, shoes, and other accesories. The more jewelry you have the more looks you can create. You are your fashion statement. Say what you want, say it how you want, wear it how you want! If your comfortable in your look your going to show your confidence. Be you!

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Some Clothing for Babies

Pretty harsh title isn’t it! Most of us parents make it a daily priority to keep our children safe from all sorts of hazards. We worry about the food they are eating, the beverages they drink, and if they are warm enough or cool enough. We teach them about not talking to strangers and how to cross a street safely. We teach them the hazards of drugs, smoking and drinking. But, even if you do all this, you could still be killing your child!

A couple very common preservatives found in baby shampoo are imidozliidinyl urea and diazolidinyl urea. These can cause dermatitis. Cosmetic talc is carcinogenic and is found in baby powders. Talc based powder has been linked to ovarian cancer! Propylene Glycol is reported to have SEVERE adverse effects on the health; dermatitis, allergies, kidney and liver damage to name a few. These are found in baby products such as wipes and lotions. Sodium Laurel, Lauryl or Laureth Sulfate, sodium dodecyl sulfate are skin irritants and reported as being toxic. They have a tendency to react with other ingredients to form carcinogenic nitrosamines. Studies have shown that these chemicals penetrate the eyes, heart, liver and brain. This is the main ingredient in shampoos, baby shampoos, and toothpaste!

Flame-retardants are another very harmful item! These have a chemical structure similar to dioxins and PCBs. They accumulate in the body and build up in the food chain. They may affect hormone function and be toxic to the developing brain! Because PBDEs dissolve readily in fat, they can accumulate in breast milk and be transferred to babies and young children! They have even been shown to cross the placenta and reach developing fetuses in utero! Flame-retardants can also be absorbed into the skin. Where do we find flame-retardants? On our mattresses, furniture, carpets, and some clothing for babies! So, when you put your baby to bed on that beautiful baby mattress you are exposing your baby to chemicals that could cause terrible health problems and possibly even death!

I was shocked to find that formaldehyde is used in products that I use every day! I had previously thought it was only used to embalm dead bodies. Then I found that some of the most commonly used preservatives could also break down into formaldehyde! Where are these chemicals found along with formaldehyde itself? Shampoos, cosmetics, nail polishes, and permanent press sheets and mattresses to name a few. Formaldehyde, is allergy producing, and can cause insomnia, coughing, headaches, nausea, nosebleeds and skin rashes.

So, here we have Baby on a mattress that has been treated with chemicals to make it flame retardant, and also formaldehyde! We put formaldehyde on their little bodies in the form of lotions and shampoos! At the very least we are causing them to be unhealthy and at the worst we are bringing them death! How sad is it that most of us aren’t even aware of all the harmful things we expose our babies to?

The answer to these problems is to be aware! Did you know that wool is a natural flame retardant? No chemicals in natural wool! There are also shampoos and lotions being made with no harmful chemicals in them and there are mattresses being made from all natural wool and organic cottons. No chemicals of any kind! Lets keep our children really safe be choosing to surround them with organic and natural substances that are completely chemical free!

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Discover The Pasadena City College Flea Market And Swap Meet

On the first Sunday of every month, Pasadena City College hosts a flea market and swap meet, from 8:00am to 3:00pm. This flea market is located on the Pasadena City College campus, 1570 E. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, CA. 91106, (626) 585-7906, on parking lots 1-4 along the south side. and the west side (Hill St.).

Over 450 vendors can be found there selling everything from high end antiques and collectibles to toys and tools to new, used and vintage clothing and used furniture. The prices are low, the lines are short and the vendors are friendly and helpful. There are also approximetly seventy (70) record vendors offering to sell and swap records, compact disks and memorabilia ranging from the big bands era to present day performers. Again the prices are quite reasonable and the vendors are friendly, helpfull and knowledgeable. They not only enjoy selling and swaping music items, they also enjoy talking about records and the music world. By the way, this is said to be one of the largest, if not the largest, record selling venues in Southern California.

According to Pasadena City College, admission to the flea market is free (this is one of the few flea markets around that still provides free admission) and parking, while sometimes difficult is also free, at the parking garage on Del Mar Blvd. or on the east side of campus at the Bonnie Avenue parking lot.

If you are looking for a flea market or swap meet that carries a good variety of merchandise, has very reasonable prices and is not overly crowded try the Pasadena City College Flea Market. Free admission and free parking makes this a good place for an outing. Even if you don't buy anything you will have a good time and it won't cost you anything.

After you finish with the flea market and swap meet, take a short drive up Colorado to Old Town Pasadena where you can dine at one of the numerous restaurants, have coffee, a capuchino or a lattee and a pastry at one of the bakeries, many with sidewalk patios, take in a movie, visit an art gallery, go dancing, take in a comedy act, shop at one of the many boutiques and stores or just go people watching.

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Five Tips for Buying Great Men's Gifts

They can be loveable. They can be loathsome. And they can be notoriously difficult to buy for. Finding the right men's gifts is both a science and an art. Study men long enough, and you'll get the science part down pat. The art of the gift lies in both what you buy and how you present it. Here then, are five tips to help you find the perfect gifts for the man in your life.



1. Every Man is a Jock. Okay, so not all men play sports. In fact, many men don't budge too far from the remote control on the weekends. But they still harbor the fantasy that they're a jock. Maybe they reminisce about their glory days on the football field, or perhaps they live their sports fantasy vicariously through their favorite teams as seen on TV. Your man may truly be a jock, spending weeknights rounding the bases in his softball league or spending weekends training for a marathon. No matter. Sporting goods gifts are virtually always appreciated.

A corollary to the "Every Man is a Jock" rule is that "Every Man is an Outdoorsman." Maybe his idea of camping is driving a 40-foot RV into a campsite and plugging in, but he'll still appreciate a gift he can use in the great outdoors.

2. Every Man is Debonair. Whether he wines and dines you on a regular basis, or his idea of romance is grilling you a burger and sharing his six-pack, every man has an inner Brad Pitt, Orlando Bloom, or Clark Gable - take your pick. Giving him a gift that acknowledges his more cosmopolitan nature - a beautiful piece of jewelry like a watch, one of the wonderful men's fragrances on the market, a gorgeous set of luggage, or a lovely piece of clothing like a cashmere sweater - will endear you to him forever.

3. Every Man is a Kid. You knew that, though. If your man is like most, he has more games and toys than the kid next door. Indulge your grown-up little boy with grown-up toys. Any type of personal electronics is sure to be a hit, whether it's a car video system or headsets.

4. Every Man Has a Mind of His Own. Maybe he's an intellectual, or maybe he's not. Nonetheless, he'll appreciate you for appreciating his mind. Give him a special book - whether it's on auto parts or on the best sellers' list - and show him that you understand his interests.

5. Presentation is Everything. Gift giving shouldn't be an obligation. It should be fun. Give him the gift you selected in an appropriate setting. If you bought him sporting goods, take him to a sports bar and give him his gift. If you bought him something debonair and cosmopolitan, wear something provocative - lingerie will work - and give him his gift somewhere private. If you've bought him luggage, pack it and take him away on a surprise overnight trip.

With a little forethought, it's easy to find the perfect men's gift for the man in your life.

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