The IT bags are those classically styled handbags that every woman would love to own. Some of the best selling designer bags you will remember from years gone by that will always be in fashion:

Hermes Birkin

1. The Hermes Birkin bag is always at the top of the list in designer bags. It can take a couple of years on a waiting list and cost you thousands, but it is a must have bag.



Chanel

2. No list of IT bags is complete without Chanel. The classic styling of the flap shoulder bag is a reissue worth adding to your collection.



Fendi Spy Bag

 

3. The Fendi Spy bag has a long waiting list, but it is destined to be a classic. The Fendi Spy bag is worth the three year wait and it is a must have item in any fashionable wardrobe.



Prada Gauffre

 

4. The Prada Gauffre is a celebrity favourite and a fashionable leather bag to add to a handbag collection. The tote style with fabulous ruching gives this bag a casual look that is perfect for any situation.



Louis Vuitton Speedy 30

 

5. Louis Vuitton Monogram Speedy 30 is a classic roomy style that makes a perfect every day bag. The bag is made in the satchel design with fine finish pieces. The Louis Vuitton monogram makes this an instantly recognizable bag.

The colon, which is part of the digestive system, and the place where bodily waste materials are stored, connects to the anus through which these waste materials are expelled from the body. In between the colon and the anus is a long tube of bowel muscle and, perhaps understandably, within this tube growths can arise from the combinations of materials passing through it. Many of these growths are benign polyps which can be easily removed during simple surgical procedures, but some growths become malignant or cancerous tumours.

Some common symptoms of colon cancer include general lethargy, weakness, a change in bowel habits, with either constipation or diarrhoea, narrow stools containing red or dark blood, abdominal cramps or pain, bloating and/or weight loss. In fact the symptoms are numerous and often non-specific, sharing many of the traits of other conditions, like diverticulitis or irritable bowel syndrome.

Colon cancer can be present for years before actual symptoms develop. The onset of symptoms will vary depending on the location of the tumour within the bowel. Tumours in the right colon can expand considerably before they cause any real abdominal discomfort. They are usually diagnosed after prolonged laboratory testing to establish the causes of fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath etc. Left colon cancers are more likely to cause bowel obstructions and manifest in narrowed stools, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Sometimes fresh blood is visible in the stool, indicating that the growth is close to the rectum or near the end of the colon.

Like all cancers, the causes of colon cancer are speculative. Age is the main risk factor as this is a disease relatively rare in the young. By the age of 50, 25% of the population has polyps and some of these will inevitably be malignant.

Research had shown that alcohol consumption may have a role in the onset of colon cancer. Diets high in fat and cholesterol have also been implicated, as have low fibre diets. However, the research on both of these risk factors is still inconclusive. Insulin dependent diabetics have an increased risk of developing colon cancer as do sufferers of inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis.

There are many other genetic and environmental factors that could account for or contribute to the likelihood of colon cancer. With all the early screening tests now available for anyone in an at risk category, it is wise to take advantage of these because prevention might well turn out to be the best cure.

A couple of weeks ago, I was doing my research on “weddings” for this site and discovered something new. Have you heard of Wedding Insurance before? Wedding insurance is something that many couples planning their wedding might not consider. However, when you think about the amount of money that is spent on a wedding, an insurance policy is actually a very good idea.

Wedding insurance covers the expense of a wedding should an unforeseen incident happen during or before the big event. A wedding entails a number of service providers, hundreds of guests, expensive clothing and equipment all hinged on getting everything right on the wedding day. If you stopped and thought about it, there are hundreds of things that could potentially go wrong on the wedding day that will cost you money and potentially ruin your most important day.

A wedding insurance policy can protect you in the event a service provider disappears on your wedding day with your deposit or your cake falls to the ground as it is brought into your reception. The insurance policy will cover the cost to replace the cake and the deposit that you lost on your big day.

A wedding insurance policy can also cover injury that may occur during your wedding. No one thinks that it can happen to them, but we hear of cases all the time when the bride or groom fell during the reception or one of the guests was hurt while dancing. The insurance policy will help to defray the costs of the medical emergency.

While no one likes to think about what can go wrong on a wedding day, a good wedding insurance policy can give the happy couple peace of mind with the knowledge that any problem that occurs will be covered.

Heels look great with many different fashion looks. However, it is important that the right shoes be paired with the right outfit. Apart from matching the shoes to your outfit, there are some other factors you should look for when choosing a pair of good heels:

• When choosing a quality pair of heels to add to your wardrobe, make sure that you pay attention to the materials used. Fine quality leather will hold up a lot longer than cheaper leather.
• Check the way the shoes are put together to make sure that the heel is firmly attached to them. The stitching on the inside of the shoe is a good indication that the heels are well made and will last for years under normal wear. Bend the shoe and make sure that the back of the heels stays firm while the front of the shoe is flexible. A well made pair of high heels can be danced in all night without hurting your feet because of the flexibility.
• When trying the shoes on, pay attention to any noises that you hear. Squeaky shoes are an indication of a lower quality pair of heels.
• The height of the heels is an important feature. Ultra high heels are fine for a night out on the town, but a moderately high heel will fit in with more items in your wardrobe.

Being a busty woman is not necessarily a good thing. While you certainly have all of the curves and shapeliness that is so admired in women, it can be a little difficult to find the right style of clothing. We have all seen women with larger busts try to hide their assets with bulky loose clothing, and others who wear clothing that is too tight to enhance the appearance of their large bust size. Both of these groups would do well to reconsider their style and search for something on middle ground.

The first area that a busty woman should focus on is the fit of her bra. A well fitting and supportive bra will do wonders in how fashions look on you. When your bra does not fit properly, large busts can sag and cause you to look dowdy. Look for a good quality bra that will give you the support that you need for all of your other clothing.

When shopping for tops that are suitable for a busty woman, look for simple designs that do not draw attention to the larger area. Ruffles and bows are not a good look for a woman with a larger bust size. V-neck tops and even scoop neck shirts accentuate the bust size in a very flattering way.

You should also look for materials that stretch with your bust size. Finding the appropriate size for a large busted woman is not always easy. Clothing that fits well in the arms and around the waist may not fit as well in the bust area. Similarly, tops that accommodate a larger bust may look too large around the waist and in the arms. Materials that have a little stretch to them can accommodate both areas of your torso. Instead of trying to hide larger breasts, enhance them in a figure flattering way. Spend a little time in the store selecting your tops instead of looking for the biggest shirt to hide your assets.

Finally, if you are on the search for a good and reliable site to shop from, you might want to check out my earlier post on Clothes For Busty Women.

For being a world class actress and Academy Award winner, it’s no surprise that a lot of fashionistas out there are emulating Sandra Bullock’s style. So how do we break down the code and start appearing like a million bucks? Sandra Bullock, known for her laid back style with a touch of elegance, has perfected the art of looking calm and collected even under the pressure of the media and the glaring light of the paparazzi.

So what are a few tips to achieve her look? For one, stylists’ advice on knowing what looks good on you. Instead of trying every new trend that comes out to the market, find the one that give you the best silhouette and colors that highlight your complexion. Remember that dressing up need not be a pain in the butt just as long as you know what flatters your figure. It doesn’t need to be uncomfortable to achieve the look that you desire. Instead, focus on pieces that are more forgiving and play around with your body shape. A drop-waist dress can still be elegant, but the looser silhouette is more forgiving. For a casual stroll at the park or a day at the beach, she takes the X factor from a sexy top or dress by covering it up with a cozy cardigan. If you’re wearing a heavy bejeweled jacket or top, make this the focal point by pairing it with a cool jean and barely any accessory. Also, if you’re up for a tougher look once in awhile, try tucking your jeans into knee-high boots and pairing it with a black leather jacket. Finish the look with a soft, sexy hair and delicate jewelry to balance off the look. Sandra prides on a style that is sexy but not over the top. Sandra Bullock is all about wearing warm, friendly colors. Wearing a sunny color even in the evening makes you stand out in a sweet, playful way. Leave the fiery red dress to the dangerous femme fatales.

Hats are definitely a must-have, especially if you’re having a bad hair day. It’s one of the quickest ways to go from casual to cute. To add a bohemian touch, use a soft beret. Next, choose an accessory that emphasizes the shape of your face and the sexiness of your eyes like dangling earrings. Keep it light by staying away from sparkly jewelry instead try wearing gold pieces that can be paired off with any outfit. It’s all about wearing jewelry to draw attention to your face and accentuate your outfit but please do not let the accessories overpower you. As for the hairstyle, Sandra likes to go au naturel with free-flowing locks. As quoted, “I spent today having fun, not stuck in some salon chair.” Despite the many hairstyles she has worn, her hair never looks damaged or out of control. Never underestimate the key to manageable styles is to properly care for the hair regardless of the final look.

Not trying to sound cliche but more than the clothes, jewelry and shoes, attitude is still the best fashion accessory. Armed with a genuine smile, Sandra has managed to capture the hearts of millions of fans. What’s great about Sandra is that even with her immense stardom, she keeps it real by staying grounded and taking time to mingle with her fans.

GIVEAWAY CLOSED!

This is your chance to win some great hair care products, courtesy of The Tonic Shop,  a haircare company that’s all about sun, surf, and style. ONE lucky reader will get to win all the three products below worth $40.

Threesome: The girlfriend approved 3-in-1
Threesome is an innovative all-in-one hair care solution for the active waterman looking to get rid of a little extra baggage (and salt): a high performance shampoo, conditioner and body wash in one convenient bottle. Indulge with a powerful cleansing formula that utilizes a blend of proteins and nourishing botanicals enriched with vitamin B5 to help eliminate salty hair and skin that results from those long sessions. Infused with natural peppermint and tea tree oils to create a multi-sensory experience and stimulating tingle, Threesome replenishes moisture to tired hair and skin worn by the elements. Except for the sandals and smile on your face, no one will know you just got out of the water. From beach break to board meeting, make it a Threesome.

■3-in-1 shampoo, conditioner and stimulating body wash
■Good to you and the environment: Paraben-free, sulfate-free, not tested on animals, contains no animal products or by-products, environmentally friendly and completely non-toxic.
■Detangles, protects and leaves your hair and skin sinfully clean
■Lather into wet hair, rinse, and repeat (if you can handle it)
■$12.00/ 8 oz bottle

Luster: For the knotty girls!
Luster is a leave-in conditioning mist with powerful UV-inhibitors and natural botanical oils designed to protect hair from the damaging effects of sun, salt, wind and chlorine. Use before or after your outdoor exploits to avoid embarrassing stares, awkward silences and multiple trips to the bathroom mirror. Our unique cream-to-mist technology doubles as a luxurious moisturizer that re-hydrates dull skin with aloe vera and grapeseed oil, leaving a subtle scent of remote tropical island. Think French West Indies meets the Caribbean with a delicious blend of vanilla, banana and a hint of sparkling orange extract. Luster is the answer to split ends, breakage and dry, tangled hair. From knotty to nice, give a new meaning to surfer hair and luster your locks!

■Leave-in conditioning mist and luxurious body moisturizer made with aloe vera, grapeseed oil and wheat protein, for added volume and protection.
■Good to you and the environment: Paraben-free, sulfate-free, not tested on animals, contains no animal products or by-products, environmentally friendly and completely non-toxic.
■Spray on wet or dry hair, comb through, use generously for sleek, shiny hair. Enviable!
■$14.00/ 8 oz bottle

The Chronic: Highest quality for all the homies
The Chronic shampoo and conditioning system is a potent formulation of superior plant-infused ingredients created to cleanse and fortify weather beaten hair. The lightweight formulas gently cleanse and restore balance while improving the overall condition of your hair with intense shine and added volume. Infused with a calming blend of flower and plant aromas. It’s The Chronic, yo!

■Daily shampoo and conditioner regimen specifically formulated for normal and color treated hair.
■Good to you and the environment: Paraben-free, sulfate-free, not tested on animals, contains no animal products or by-products, environmentally friendly and completely non-toxic.
■Leaves hair silky and smooth.
■Shampoo: massage into wet hair, lather and rinse. Conditioner: apply to clean, damp hair; comb through and rinse thoroughly. See you in the green room!
■The Chronic Shampoo: $14.00/ 8 oz bottle

 To enter for a chance to win, here’s what you need to do:

• One mandatory entry – Tell me why you you need the above products.
• Three additional entries – Tweet this giveaway using “You can win these great hair care products at My Lil Venture” with a link back to this post. Please leave your twitter thread. You can do this daily until the contest ends.
• Giveaway is open to US shipping address only.
• Giveaway closes on 18th April 2010. Please check back here for the contest result or subscribe to my blog’s feed as I will not be emailing winner.

Disclosure : Giveaway courtesy of www.tonicshop.com

Choosing a piece of cardio exercise equipment for your home gym does require a little time and research. You want to be sure that the equipment you choose will give you a good workout and is safe for you to use at home. Your budget is another consideration when you are purchasing this equipment.

When choosing your cardio exercise equipment, take into consideration your current level of fitness. Those with joint problems may consider equipment that has a lower impact on the joints while still providing a heart rate raising workout. It is important that you are able to perform the exercise well. If the equipment is too difficult, you will be less likely to do your cardio exercises every day.

Look for a well made sturdy piece of cardio exercise equipment. Cardio equipment that requires you to support your body with the equipment must be well put together to avoid the possibility of injury. Check to be sure that the equipment is made of strong durable materials that will support your weight. It is also a good idea to check on the manufacturers recommendations regarding weight and the proper use of the equipment.

You should also look for a piece of cardio equipment that fits well in your home. If you are limited in space, look for cardio exercise equipment that folds up when it is not being used. Many pieces of equipment will fold up and can be stored away when it is not being used. This allows you to put your equipment in your bedroom or other room.

Plan the amount of money that you can afford to spend on your cardio exercise equipment. Do a little research on the prices and types of equipment on the market to get a good idea of what you will spend.

There are many celebrities who embody beauty, style and sex appeal, but one that rises above the rest is Eva Longoria. The Desperate Housewife star seems to have it all, style, grace and sophisticated beauty. If you are looking for a role model, Eva Longoria certainly fits the bill. To get a look like Ms. Longoria, pay attention to the styles she chooses and the way they enhance her appearance.

According to inside sources, Eva Longoria enjoys a healthy and well balanced diet. She typically enjoys healthy fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and snacks, but occasionally indulges in her favourite snacks. This approach to diet helps to decrease overeating. When you deny yourself the foods you love for too long, the result can be overeating and weight gain. Eva Longoria plans on eating pizza and snack foods once in a while to satisfy those cravings and avoid overeating.

Ms. Longoria is also an avid exerciser. An hour long routine three days a week helps to keep her body in top shape. This workout routine is not as difficult as you might think. With a healthy diet, the fitness routine keeps you from gaining weight.

To dress like the celebrity, consider slimming jeans and hoodies. These are favourites of Eva Longoria when she is not attending special Hollywood events. When attending formal events, she dresses in simple styles that don’t overwhelm her natural beauty. Strong bold colours set off her dark hair and eyes.

Makeup is kept simple but strong enough to set off her dark eyes and classic features. She tends to wear light lip colour and dark black eye liner.
Eva Longoria owes much of her attractive appearance to her healthy lifestyle. Of course, you can enjoy great looks too if you follow a good exercise routine, healthy diet and skin care regimen.