Selasa, 31 Mei 2011

Heart Shaped Cookies


When my older, adopted, daughter, Jessica, was in kindergarten she loved to attend birthday parties for her classmates. However, one day she came home from a birthday celebration very sad and very quiet. She wanted to be left alone and didn’t want to talk about the party.
Finally, the next day while she was lying on the couch, she started crying and saying that some people think that birthmothers sell their babies. Apparently at the party on the previous day, many of the children had shared stories about the day they were born. When Jessica shared her birth and adoption story, someone asked what a "birth mother" was. Another classmate declared that birthmothers were women who sold their babies. Clearly, Jessica was deeply hurt by this remark. I asked her if she thought that the comment was true. She said, "NO . . . but it still makes me cry."
I was tempted to grab our photo albums and videotapes and review once again the story of how Jessica came to be entrusted to our family . . . but my husband held up his hand and stated that enough had been said. So, instead of embarking on a very long talk, we walked into the next room, picked up the phone and called our daughter’s birthmother, Angie. We told her briefly about Jessica’s experience and her need for reassurance. Angie didn’t panic. She didn’t criticize Jessica’s classmate nor did she question the value of adoption. Angie simply thanked us for the call and got busy making phone calls to rally other members of Jessica’s birthfamily. Within a short time, there was a plan for Jessica to visit her birthmother’s home. In fact, we all decided that this was the perfect opportunity for Jessica to have her first "sleep over." As expected, this emergency "overnighter" was a great experience for everyone and Jessica came home looking tired, but talkative and happy.
A short time later, my husband and I were attending a parent/teacher
at Jessica’s school. When the teacher had completed her thorough report of Jessica’s progress, she told us that she wanted to share a story with us. The teacher said that one afternoon she was surprised to see Jessica stand up and announce to the class that she had visited her birthmother’s house. Jessica went on to say that she wanted them all to know that she and her birthmother had made cookies together. Furthermore, Jessica emphasized that the cookies they made were heart-shaped cookies. Then Jessica sat back down. The teacher knew she had witnessed something significant but didn’t understand what was going on in Jessica’s head. My husband and I smiled. The teacher had seen a five-year-old’s way of telling her classmates that her birthmother did not sell her. In fact, her birthmother was someone who made cookies with her. Indeed, birthmothers make heart- shaped cookies . . . cookies about LOVE.

Maxi Dress Styles

maxi dress trend 2011The spring and summer season of 2011 is coming up and the question is, what will you be wearing? Is your wardrobe up to date for the current trend? The trend for this season has not changed too drastically compared to the trend of last year. This year, Maxi dresses are still in; not that they’ll ever go out of style, but it is one of the most comfortable trends that have always been an all time favorite for women to wear during the warm seasons of the year.



Dolce and Gabbana maxi dress 2011Emilio Pucci spring 2011 maxi dressErdem summer maxidressGianfranco Ferré 2011 dress










Maxi Dresses are versatile and can be worn to dress up or dress down depending on the style and fabric that it is made out of. Usually it is the cotton maxi dresses that can be worn to any occasion. Maxi dresses can be found in various prints, from floral designs, to animal print designs. The options of different maxi dresses that are available are endless! Many of the maxi dresses that you can buy nowadays are made with an empire waist stretchy waist band which means that they can fit women of various different sizes and shapes.
Though maxi dresses are long and flowing, they are made of thin delicate material which will keep a woman nice and cool on those hot summer days. The breeze will flow right through so that you can stay comfortable no matter where you might be; especially for outdoor events.
Length is very important when it comes to wearing the ideal maxi dress. Most women think that a maxi dress should reach the heel of the foot; but really, the ideal maxi dress should petty much reach the floor and cover your feet. Flat sandals are the best to wear for comfort and to compliment the dress that you are wearing. For women that are short and want to appear taller, some nice platform sandals or wedge heels would work out nicely.
Short dresses seemed to be what many women preferred to wear to show off their legs during the summer season, but for the trend of 2011 the fashion is set for the long and beautiful maxi dress that will keep the skin covered while at the same time showing a woman’s true feminine side.



Which is the real Islam?


Were the hijackers radicals? Were they extremists, radicals or are they are following the Koran as Bin Laden is saying.This is something we will have to make our mind up as individuals and as a nation as the truth comes out. The translated version of the Arabic document that was left behind instructed the hijackers “You should pray, you should fast. You should ask God for guidance, you should ask God for help . . . Continue to pray throughout this night. Continue to recite the Koran.” What verses would they be reading before committing this inhuman act?
The Dallas Morning News quoted federal officials as saying that a copy of an Arabic-language prayer guide had been found in the wreckage of Flight 93. The first four pages of the document obtained by The Post recite some basic Islamic history about the prophet fighting infidels with 100 men against 1,000.
Were these men wrong or alone in their interpretation and representation of Islam? The truth is that young Muslims are recruited for Jihad all over the world, especially in Israel. Unfortunately they are being used by evil and clever men to further their cause by religion! We know now 16 out of the 19 terrorists came into America with student visas. There are still 600,000 foreign students on our soil with student visas, something we need to further look into. This is what we are now face. Is there is an Islamic fifth column operating on America’s soil, that the American public needs to know about? I realize that there are many conservative Muslims in America and elsewhere who would nothing to do with this kind of Islam, and so I'm not addressing those who are in the minority in America. We are looking at those who come to America in disguise, for in their homelands they would be open and vocal in what they believe. 
How loyal are some Muslims to America? What would they do if they have to choose between defending America and their God or fellow Muslims? In the Sunday edition of the New York Times, a reporter interviewed Muslim American students in Brooklyn, one of the male students said, on the record, that he would abandon the United States and give his own life to back an “observant Muslim who is fighting for an Islamic cause.” This is not an isolated opinion.
Harvard's Samuel P. Huntington wrote in his book The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order, “Muslims make up about one-fifth of the world's population but in the 1990s they have been far more involved in intergroup violence than the people of any other civilization. The evidence is overwhelming.”
The fact is that 10 out of the 20 top terrorists on the FBI list have the name ahmed or Mohammad in their names. What is the message sent when they are named after Mohammed? Would Mohammed do such things? Maybe we need to ask Muslims “What would Mohammed do?”
It is a spiritual fact that the God we serve and worship will conform us to his likeness.

Minggu, 29 Mei 2011

Weekend Fashion – Look Glamorous During Weekends


Weekends are perfect for catching up with your friends, bonding with family, going shopping and watching movies with your partner. But after dressing up for office all five days in a skinny pencil skirt and a crisp button-up shirt or executive suits, we feel too lazy to gussy up on Saturdays and Sundays.
But then, off-duty does not mean that we can spend time only in pajamas! Make those two days exciting with a fuss-free and off-beat styles— something which you wouldn’t normally wear to the workplace andlook absolutely fabulous yet casual.
Get Striped
Photo Credit: Baltimorestyle.com
Load up on stripes. Stripes suit almost everybody. Usher in a sunny Saturday morning with a striped tee, paired with a plain trouser. Style stripes with bright colours— such as teaming up an electric blue silk top with a pale yellow and white striped cardigan over a white trouser. Or a black striped mini-skirt will complement an orange top, delicately embroidered at the neckline.
Throw a maritime striped jacket over a casual tee while you are out on a yachting trip. A striped long-sleeved oversized knitted dress with pushed up sleeves will be perfect for a chic afternoon look. How about highlighting your sexy collarbones with a boat-neck striped top? For an effortless glam, choose a striped single shoulder dress and accentuate your slim waist with a broad leather belt.
A halter dress with v-neck and diagonal stripes will feature a flirty shape and is perfect for a lunch date, while a sexy sheer number in peach with multi-colored stripes with scalloped hemline in muted tones will definitely turn on the heat.
Lounge around in an orange and pink striped tunic at home or make a jersey knit shirt dress in multi-colored stripes a staple in your wardrobe. For a relaxed week-end style, a striped tee or top can be teamed up with jeans, capris, minis, cut-offs, skirts and jumper. Key to wearing stripes is not to overdo it. You can also pick up sneakers, wedges, pumps and sandals in bold stripes and build around this key piece with complementary solid colors.
Cut Offs
Photo Credit: Howtodressme.com
Cutoffs are hot again! Since weekends are the time to break fashion rules, flaunt a Daisy Duke (denim shorts) or mid-thigh lengths. Make your look with a roughed up denim and a nude woven top or add a French twist to your Boho style with high-waisted shorts and classic Breton striped top. Or style your cutoffs with boots for a relaxed chic. Revive the flower-child theme with love beads and a braided belt.
Broome wrap-front culottes are ideal for hot summer days. Wear them with a bright-white tank and sandals for playful style. Or showcase your feminine style with cherry-embroidered silk shorts in bright pink with a matching bikini top for a sun-soaked getaway. What about a paisley-print stretch cotton-canvas shorts for a retro feel? It will look great with an embroidered tee and wedge sandals. Finally, a Swarovskicrystal-embellished flag-print leather shorts will add a serious punch to your luxe mini-style.
Maxi Dress
Photo Credit: Lightinthebox.com
Whether you want to beat the summer heat or to show off your shape, a sheer maxi dress is perfect for a casually stylish look with a feminine twist. Whether you are off for a music festival or on a picnic with friends, give yourself a style update with an airy, lace maxidress.
Or to create an interest, a vintage patternedcrop top can be paired with a sheer maxi skirt. Or catch the sunrays in a loose, swirling caftan with bold graphic pattern or unleash your sex appeal in a silk calf-length dress at night. Accessorise with a bunch of long beaded necklaces.
Ponchos
Photo Credit: .Fashionfix.net
Weekend is the time to unleash your personal style. This is also the time when you want to put on something comfortable and funky. Ponchos have returned and were featured strongly on the catwalks this season. But soft and delicate fabrics have replaced the heavy, horse-blanket style of the past. The best thing about the ponchos is that it can be flaunted on any body type.  For a classic weekend look, style it with cropped jeans and ankle-boots.
Or throw a silky or sheer poncho over a pair of jeans for a casual chic or use an embroidered poncho over a black number for an ethnic style. You can dress up a poncho with a brooch, tassels and beads. A poncho with cowl-neck over flayers would also project your young avatar. Or what about a cashmereponcho with sleeves or an insulated one to beat the chill?
At Your Feet
When you think of comfort during weekends, the keds are the first footwear that comes to mind. They are available in basic white, black and blues to wild reds, funky oranges to electric blues and yellows. Give flights to your imagination with these fun sneakers with neon laces and discover the versatility of this fashion item. You can team up a pair of sneakers with shorts, denims, cropped pants or even a maxi dress for cool comfort.
The yellow sneakers would add an unexpected twist to a bohemian romper. If you prefer, go for girly frocks with boyish sneakers for an edgy vibe. For that uber chic at the girls’ night out on Friday, opt for the leopard loafers or give a Grecian touch to your Hawaiian print wrap dress with lace-up sandals. A pair of fluorescent orange wedges or green heels will keep you updated with the seasons color message.
Add Boho charm to your breezy floral sundress with metallic leather gladiators, cutout leather flat sandals orfringed suede sandals. If too much girlie is not your style, anchor your looks with rugged accessories like a chunky-heeled boot and slouchy bag.
Jackets
Photo Credit: Podcastingnews.com
Flip your boyfriend’s jacket this Saturday and pair it with a fitted top and capris. Avoid denim on denim. Instead, a leather jacket with brass buttons will make you look cool. Throw a jacket over a long tee and complete the look with patterned leggings.
For an equestrian style, pair your jacket with rugged skinny jeans and boots. Touches of fur and chicjewellery will add some spunk and offset the harshness of the look. Or a blazer in pastel shade can be combined with floral pants and white shirt. Add polish to pastel denims for brunch with a jacket in sequined leather or beaded silk-georgette or may be an embellished cotton one as per your mood.
Sparkle
Weekend is the right time to up your glam quotient. And remember that glitz need not be highlighted just for the evenings; it also looks great during the day. Balance out your blings with muted tones. Fashion a sequined top with basic jeans or white trousers, or decorate your neckline with bold necklaces for an off-duty look. If you wish, let your accessories do the glitzy job in the form of  belts, clutches and shiny bangles for a night time feel.
Pulling it Together
While your weekend look should be relaxed, it shouldnt be sloppy. Work out the  free-spirited look while shopping, running errands, or even at the movies, with your outfits and accessories. A bold striped canvas bag is great for weekends; or the nautical-inspired tote bag in navy pinstripes and red details will be just right for shopping spree with the girls and  a multi-colored mini hobo with detachable handle and shoulder strap will take you from lunch with friends to museum visit with your mom to the movies at night.
A cognac-colored statement boot with leather-trimmed raffia tote will perk up a neutral outfit. Wear a more fitted top with baggier jeans or vice versa to avoid the messy look. Layered chains or statementnecklaces will keep you trendy. If you are chucking the neck-piece, wear a cuff or a cocktail ring.
So let yourself shine, even on the most casual of days. When the strict suit or fancy frock comes off, your low-key, laid-back style can flourish. Whether you want to add a touch of punk for a cool-chick edge orhighlight haute-hippie charms in worn-out jeans or be sweet and feminine with pretty pinks and flouncy florals, do not forget that the main idea behind weekend dressing is having fun!
Weekends are perfect for catching up with your friends, bonding with family, going shopping and watching movies with your partner. But after dressing up for office all five days in a skinny pencil skirt and a crisp button-up shirt or executive suits, we feel too lazy to gussy up on Saturdays and Sundays. But then, off-duty does not mean that we can spend time only in pajamas! Make those two days exciting with a fuss-free and off-beat styles— something which you wouldn’t normally wear to the workplace and look absolutely fabulous yet casual.
Get Striped Load up on stripes. Stripes suit almost everybody. Usher in a sunny Saturday morning with a striped tee, paired with a plain trouser. Style stripes with bright colours— such as teaming up an electric blue silk top with a pale yellow and white striped cardigan over a white trouser. Or a black striped mini-skirt will complement an orange top, delicately embroidered at the neckline. Throw a maritime striped jacket over a casual tee while you are out on a yachting trip. A striped long-sleeved oversized knitted dress with pushed up sleeves will be perfect for a chic afternoon look. How about highlighting your sexy collarbones with a boat-neck striped top? For an effortless glam, choose a striped single shoulder dress and accentuate your slim waist with a broad leather belt. A halter dress with v-neck and diagonal stripes will feature a flirty shape and is perfect for a lunch date, while a sexy sheer number in peach with multi-colored stripes with scalloped hemline in muted tones will definitely turn on the heat. Lounge around in an orange and pink striped tunic at home or make a jersey knit shirt dress in multi-colored stripes a staple in your wardrobe. For a relaxed week-end style, a striped tee or top can be teamed up with jeans, capris, minis, cut-offs, skirts and jumper. Key to wearing stripes is not to overdo it. You can also pick up sneakers, wedges, pumps and sandals in bold stripes and build around this key piece with complementary solid colors.
Cut Offs
Cutoffs are hot again! Since weekends are the time to break fashion rules, flaunt a Daisy Duke (denim shorts) or mid-thigh lengths. Make your look with a roughed up denim and a nude woven top or add a French twist to your Boho style with high-waisted shorts and classic Breton striped top. Or style your cutoffs with boots for a relaxed chic. Revive the flower-child theme with love beads and a braided belt. Broome wrap-front culottes are ideal for hot summer days. Wear them with a bright-white tank and sandals for playful style. Or showcase your feminine style with cherry-embroidered silk shorts in bright pink with a matching bikini top for a sun-soaked getaway. What about a paisley-print stretch cotton-canvas shorts for a retro feel? It will look great with an embroidered tee and wedge sandals. Finally, a Swarovski crystal-embellished flag-print leather shorts will add a serious punch to your luxe mini-style.
Maxi Dress
Whether you want to beat the summer heat or to show off your shape, a sheer maxidress is perfect for a casually stylish look with a feminine twist. Whether you are off for a music festival or on a picnic with friends, give yourself a style update with an airy, lace maxidress. Or to create an interest, a vintage patterned crop top can be paired with a sheer maxi skirt. Or catch the sunrays in a loose, swirling caftan with bold graphic pattern or unleash your sex appeal in a silk calf-length dress at night. Accessorise with a bunch of long beaded necklaces.
Ponchos
Weekend is the time to unleash your personal style. This is also the time when you want to put on something comfortable and funky. Ponchos have returned and were featured strongly on the catwalks this season. But soft and delicate fabrics have replaced the heavy, horse-blanket style of the past. The best thing about the ponchos is that it can be flaunted on any body type.  For a classic weekend look, style it with cropped jeans and ankle-boots. Or throw a silky or sheer poncho over a pair of jeans for a casual chic or use an embroidered poncho over a black number for an ethnic style. You can dress up a poncho with a brooch, tassels and beads. A poncho with cowl-neck over flayers would also project your young avatar. Or what about a cashmere poncho with sleeves or an insulated one to beat the chill?
At Your Feet
When you think of comfort during weekends, the keds are the first footwear that comes to mind. They are available in basic white, black and blues to wild reds, funky oranges to electric blues and yellows. Give flights to your imagination with these fun sneakers with neon laces and discover the versatility of this fashion item. You can team up a pair of sneakers with shorts, denims, cropped pants or even a maxi dress for cool comfort. The yellow sneakers would add an unexpected twist to a bohemian romper. If you prefer, go for girly frocks with boyish sneakers for an edgy vibe. For that uber chic at the girls’ night out on Friday, opt for the leopard loafers or give a Grecian touch to your Hawaiian print wrap dress with lace-up sandals. A pair of fluorescent orange wedges or green heels will keep you updated with the seasons color message. Add Boho charm to your breezy floral sundress with metallic leather gladiators, cutout leather flat sandals or fringed suede sandals. If too much girlie is not your style, anchor your looks with rugged accessories like a chunky-heeled boot and slouchy bag.
Jackets
Flip your boyfriend’s jacket this Saturday and pair it with a fitted top and capris. Avoid denim on denim. Instead, a leather jacket with brass buttons will make you look cool. Throw a jacket over a long tee and complete the look with patterned leggings. For an equestrian style, pair your jacket with rugged skinny jeans and boots. Touches of fur and chic jewellery will add some spunk and offset the harshness of the look. Or a            blazer in pastel shade can be combined with floral pants and white shirt. Add polish to pastel denims for brunch with a jacket in sequined leather or beaded silk-georgette or may be an embellished cotton one as per your mood.
Sparkle
Weekend is the right time to up your glam quotient. And remember that glitz need not be highlighted just for the evenings; it also looks great during the day. Balance out your blings with muted tones. Fashion a sequined top with basic jeans or white trousers, or decorate your neckline with bold necklaces for an off-duty look. If you wish, let your accessories do the glitzy job in the form of  belts, clutches and shiny bangles for a night time feel.
Pulling it Together
While your weekend look should be relaxed, it shouldnt be sloppy. Work out the  free-spirited look while shopping, running errands, or even at the movies, with your outfits and accessories. A bold striped canvas bag is great for weekends; or the nautical-inspired tote bag in navy pinstripes and red details will be just right for shopping spree with the girls and  a multi-colored mini hobo with detachable handle and shoulder strap will take you from lunch with friends to museum visit with your mom to the movies at night. A cognac-colored statement boot with leather-trimmed raffia tote will perk up a neutral outfit. Wear a more fitted top with baggier jeans or vice versa to avoid the messy look. Layered chains or statement necklaces will keep you trendy. If you are chucking the neck-piece, wear a cuff or a cocktail ring.
So let yourself shine, even on the most casual of days. When the strict suit or fancy frock comes off, your low-key, laid-back style can flourish. Whether you want to add a touch of punk for a cool-chick edge or highlight haute-hippie charms in worn-out jeans or be sweet and feminine with pretty pinks and flouncy florals, do not forget that the main idea behind weekend dressing is having fun!

Sabtu, 28 Mei 2011

The Good, The Bad And The WTF At The “American Idol” Finale


photo of American IdolGetty Images

Last night was the not-particularly exciting finale of “American Idol” (Scotty McCreery vs. Lauren Alaina? Snooooooozeville) and practically everybody was there: Gaga, Beyonce, Janice Dickinson? In typical form, they all wore some crazy fashions, but could not be upstaged by some of “Idol’s” past contestants. Witness their looks—hits, misses and all—after the jump.
photo of American IdolGetty Images

Good: World’s First Supermodel Janice Dickinson looks royal in purple.
photo of American IdolGetty Images

Good: Former “Idol” contestant Alison Iraheta shed her dyed red hair and is going for an elegant goth thing. We’re into it.
photo of American IdolGetty Images

Good: “Idol” runner up Haley Reinhart makes third place look adorable.

Greatest Fashion Trends of the 80s and 90s


Fashion has a funny way of being simultaneously important and absurd to society. Each decade brings new trends that seem chic and innovative at the time, yet we almost always look back and cringe at ourselves for thinking we actually looked good.
We've compiled some of the biggest fashion trends from the 80s and 90s which should serve as both a nostalgic blast from the past and a friendly reminder that most of these trends went extinct for a reason.
Greatest Fashion Trends from the 1980s

1. Shoulder Pads and Power Suits

Fashion Trends - Shoulder Pads and Power Suits
Nothing screamed “money” and “power” in the 80s like having massive shoulders, and since shoulder implants weren't the norm, people opted to pad their clothing. Men rocked the power suit in hopes of looking like they stepped off the set of Wall Street, and women overlooked the oxymoronic notion of trying to look feminine in sweaters and business attire that gave them linebacker shoulders.

2. Dance Wear 

Fashion Trends - Dance Wear
Women loved to rock the Jane Fonda look in the 80s, and the release of Flashdance in 1983 further cemented the three l's (leotards, leggings, and leg warmers) into every fashion-conscious female's closet. Throw in a baggy, off-the-shoulder sweater and you could be mistaken for Jennifer Beals herself without having to lean back and douse yourself with water. Dance wear has made somewhat of a comeback in today's fashion, but their neon hues seem to have (thankfully) been left behind.

3. Miniskirts and Lace

Fashion Trends - Miniskirts and Lace
The tighter and shorter the skirt, the better. Lycra crossed over from the sporting goods world and into high fashion, making miniskirts snug and stretchy. Combine that with some frilly fabric and you've got a look that would make the most die-hard Madonna fan jealous. Lace and tight fits weren't just for underwear anymore; in fact, many women even began to adopt the “underwear as outerwear” look and flaunted themselves in lacy bustiers to emulate the Material Girl.

4. Jelly Shoes 

Fashion Trends - Jelly Shoes
Only the 80s could make a shoe made of PVC plastic fashionable. Their main appeal was how cheap they were and the various colors they came in, which made for a diverse and inexpensive (albeit tacky-looking) wardrobe.

5. Doc Martens

Fashion Trends - Doc Martens
The punk and New Wave crowd popularized Dr. Martens in the late 80s, rocking the military look combined with bright yellow stitching. Generation X continued to wear them in the 90s as Grunge ushered in an era of flannel and apathy. But these shoes enjoyed their first surge of popularity back when The Cure was huge and Nirvana was still years away.

6. Ray-Ban

Fashion Trends - Ray-Ban
Thank Tom Cruise for twice ushering Ray-Ban into mainstream fashion, first with his underwear-clad slide across the floor while wearing Wayfarers in Risky Business, and secondly with his cocky, Aviator-sporting pilot role in Top Gun. Thanks to numerous product placement deals in various blockbuster movies, Ray-Ban went from forgettable in the 1970s to absolutely necessary throughout the 80s.

7. The Miami Vice Look

Fashion Trends - Miami Vice Look
Despite the fact that Don Johnson would have almost certainly ruined his clothes by sweating through them in the sweltering Florida humidity, his “t-shirt under a designer sport coat” look from Miami Vice sparked a huge fashion trend among men who now had an excuse for not shaving (“Um, it's called designer stubble”). Throw on a pair of linen pants and some loafers (sans socks, of course) and you've got yourself a look that can only be improved with synth music. 

8. Members Only

Fashion Trends - Members Only
These jackets have gone from a fashion staple to a punchline over the past couple decades, but back in the 80s they were serious business. Adorned with shoulder straps and manufactured in a variety of colors, the jacket was so hip that even its tagline assured you that “when you put it on, something happens.”

Greatest Fashion Trends from the 1990s

1. Parachute Pants / Zubaz 

Fashion Trends - Parachute Pants
These baggy pants spilled over from the late 80s and into the early 90s, having been popularized by MC Hammer and given the nickname “Hammer Pants.” Break dancers and folks who thought of themselves as being 2 legit 2 quit were the only ones who seemed to take them seriously; to everyone else, they looked a bit like a genie with a full diaper. Zubaz pants were more favored by “athletes,” although they were little more than garish sweatpants adorned in unfortunate colors and patterns.

2. Hypercolor 

Fashion Trends - Hypercolor
Hypercolor may have been a fad, but it was a lucrative one. Between February and May 1991, over 50 million dollars of Hypercolor merchandise was sold. The appeal was simple: clothing that changed between two colors based on temperature. It was like wearing a t-shirt made out of mood rings... but that got ruined if you washed it too hot or ironed it.  

3. Reebok Pumps

Fashion Trends - Reebok Pumps
These famous basketball high-tops were considered to be quite technologically savvy when they debuted, offering up a pump that you could squeeze to tighten the fit. (Apparently laces alone weren't cutting it.) Although many different substitutions emerged (including competing products from LA Gear and Nike), Reebok is the original gangsta when it comes to shoe pumping technology.   

4. Slap Bracelets 

Fashion Trends - Slap Bracelets
Popularized in the late 80s - early 90s, slap bracelets were both a fashion staple and an easy way to annoy your classmates (to the point where they were banned from some schools). Straighten them out, then hold out your wrist and slap 'em right on as a quick and fun accessory. The metal spring bands were replaced with plastic versions after some people complained about injuries, but no matter which one you slapped on your wrist, these bracelets were a definite fashion phenomenon.  

5. Non-Blue Blue Jeans 

Fashion Trends - Jeans
Acid and stone-washed jeans have been around since the 70s and 80s, but colored denim joined them throughout the 90s. Apparently people grew tired of boring ol' blue, because soon enough, jeans of all colors were being flaunted by men, women, and children who were either colorblind or delusional enough to think that purple denim was a good idea. 

6. Overalls

Fashion Trends - Overalls
Some farmer must have gotten fed up with being the only one sporting these over-the-shoulder threads, so he launched a fashion campaign that brainwashed millions of men and women into thinking these looked good in situations other than cow milking and field tending. You still see overalls occasionally pop up on the runway, but they don't seem to have re-invaded our closets like they did in the mid-90s.  

7. Raver Pants

Fashion Trends - Raver Pants
These pants were like elephant leg jeans on crack. Also known as “phat pants,” these were favored among rave kids and the resident burn out kid at your high school. They were so wide that they'd completely cover up the shoe and probably fully conceal a six-foot party sub.   

8. Wallet Chains

Fashion Trends - Wallet Chains
Nothing protected your wallet better than a chain hooked from it to your belt loop. Initially popularized by bikers, this accessory morphed from “don't mess with me, I'm a biker” to “I like punk” in the 70s and 80s to “I like grunge and heavy metal” in the 90s. The trend reached its apex when it was featured in the 1996 film Swingers, and just like the phrase “You’re so money,” wallet chains have long since worn out their welcome.
What current fashion trends are your kids into? Which will they be laughing at in twenty years?