Fashion scarves & wraps are an important fashion accessory in any woman’s or even a man’s wardrobe today. These wonderful pieces of clothing has an interesting and a long history. Thought to have its origins in Ancient Rome, the scarf was known as a ‘sudarium’ in Latin. A ‘sweat cloth’ meant to clean the face after a workout, it became a popular fashion accessory in the ancient times. Chinese sculptures trace back its history to 1000 B.C.  In the earlier times, these scarves & wraps were usually hung loosely around the neck or simply tied as a belt using a simple knot. They add a dash of color and a distinct personality to the wearer apart from providing a shield from the extreme weather conditions. So much so that they have become an indispensable fashion accessory in the modern times too.

Going back to its origin and history, it is claimed widely that this traditional piece of clothing was worn by the warriors of Shih Huang Ti, a famous Chinese Emperor. Later on during the 17th Century, the scarf came to be increasingly worn by Croatian mercenaries. Moreover, the fabric used to make these was not wool but cotton, claim the experts. However, high rank officials preferred to wear silk scarves.

Feeling crazy about this latest innovation, the French too began wearing scarves. However, the clothing was called by different names, namely ‘kravata’ by the Croatian and ‘cravatas’ by the French people. Initially, the growing popularity of the scarves & wraps could be attributed to one’s political support demonstrated by the color.  However, during the 18th Century, men and women of all classes could be seen wearing scarves as a fashion trend.  The fashion fad also caught the fancy of people of Norway. This traditional piece of clothing eventually became an indispensable part of men’s and women’s wardrobe in the 19th Century. It was initially supplied by Sweden to Finland, Norway and a few other countries. This, which had trimmed fringes, gave way to single or double knot fringes. Such scarves became extremely popular with the people who wore them as headwear or as shawls.

The 20th century saw a beautiful amalgamation of old and new trends to create a wide variety of the traditional scarf. However, this traditional piece of clothing was conspicuous by its absence for a long time in the recent past. But, it’s back with a bang to create some trendsetting scarves & wraps fashion statements in the society.  Nowadays, we can see a huge variety of beautiful and intricate designs dominating the fashion scenario. Designers love to use their imagination and creative skills to make exclusive designed pieces that will add glitter to your looks. Being a must-have accessory in every woman’s and man’s wardrobe, it is seeing new trends to compliment different dresses worn by people these days.

The beauty of this garment is that it can be easily assimilated with any piece of clothing. You can wear it around your neck or even wrap around your simple handbag to make it look special. A head scarf or a head wrap lends a touch of elegance and beauty to the wearer.   The fact is that you can use it in the way you like – tie it around your wrist or waist for making your presence felt, no matter wherever you go.  The journey of this fabulous accessory from a traditional piece of clothing worn by few to its present form is quite interesting.

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Cotton hats are simple, lightweight and very comfortable, which makes them perfect for a variety of uses.

They can be a great accessory to a casual summer wear, a cute adornment and protection for babies, and also the ideal head cover for people dealing with baldness or treatment-related hair loss. They come in all the colors, styles and designs of the day and will never be out of fashion.  Whether for practical or fashion purposes, the cotton hat remains popular among all ages, for both men and women alike. Since cotton hats are favorite everyday accessories by many, it’s only natural that they would require frequent cleaning. The good thing about cotton is not only is it durable, it’s also pretty easy to clean.

If it’s time to clean your baseball cap or any other cotton hat, check the care label first before you toss it in the washer. The safest cleaning method would be whatever the product tag recommends but if your hat doesn’t have a tag, then here are some guidelines to follow:

The first thing to consider is how old the item is because how you clean it will depend on this factor. This is because fibers, natural or synthetic, weaken over time. Therefore, you will need to handle older cotton hats with more care than newer ones. If your cotton hat is really old, say, you’ve owned it for ten years now, the recommended method of cleaning is simple hand washing. When hand washing an old cotton hat, use a basic soap and water solution. To remove stains, spot cleaning is the best method. This means cleaning just the affected spot and not scrubbing the entire hat. By doing this, only the stained spot is exposed to the cleaning agent, which no matter how mild still contains chemicals, and will also spare unstained areas from the stress of being washed.

After washing old hats, it is best to leave them to air dry.

To do this, simply pin your cotton hat in a clothesline or, to make sure it retains its form, hang it in a hat stand. Cotton is fairly quick to dry so it won’t take long before you can use your favorite hat again. Don’t throw old cotton hats into the washing machine to wash or spin dry because doing so will cause them to lose their shape and form. However, if your cotton hat is fairly new less than a decade old, then it would be safe to machine wash them. Cotton is a durable fabric so you can actually throw a new one in the washer along with your clothes.  Just remember to use the gentle setting on the washing machine and mix the hat only with similarly-colored articles of clothing. Cotton is a very absorbent material so if you wash it with colored fabrics that bleed, then it will soak up the colors and your hat will be ruined.

The last factor to consider when washing, which is definitely not the least important, is your choice of detergent.

Fortunately, many commercial cleaning solutions are available that are formulated specially for products made of cotton. These cleaners are excellent choices since they would be very effective in getting rid of dirt and other stains. Just ensure that you follow carefully the directions of use provided by the manufacturer.

into the washing machine to wash or spin dry because doing so will cause them to lose their shape and form. However, if your cotton hat is fairly new less than a decade old, then it would be safe to machine wash them. Cotton is a durable fabric so you can actually throw a new one in the washer along with your clothes.  Just remember to use the gentle setting on the washing machine and mix the hat only with similarly-colored articles of clothing. Cotton is a very absorbent material so if you wash it with colored fabrics that bleed, then it will soak up the colors and your hat will be ruined.

The last factor to consider when washing, which is definitely not the least important, is your choice of detergent.

Fortunately, many commercial cleaning solutions are available that are formulated specially for products made of cotton. These cleaners are excellent choices since they would be very effective in getting rid of dirt and other stains. Just ensure that you follow carefully the directions of use provided by the manufacturer.

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Mean Machines that are Alabama Crimson Tide Fans

Yes, men can be mean machines when defending their favorite teams. You’ll know them by their Alabama Crimson Tide money clip, Georgia Bulldog money clip, Kansas Jayhawks money clip, Tennessee Volunteer money clip, and Texas Longhorn money clip.

Just how mean can they get depends on how the game is going. If the game is getting nowhere, hackles rise and there is no stopping the boos, jeers, and raucous fight songs. There may be some fisticuffs, but these violent eruptions are mild compared to the riots that mar professional football.

Male fans show their machismo as a ritual process of bonding with other college fans, and their bonding spill to the tailgate parties where they continue to discuss the merits and the demerits of the game over beer and buffalo wings.

The average male Tide fan avoids violating the rules – they don’t carry deadly weapons, throw missiles, make indecent chanting, or assume disorderly or drunken behavior at the bleachers. Should they breach a rule, they have to answer this with their college deans and risk expulsion or suspension.

But they can be mean if the occasion warrants it. They’ll rise to the defense of their beloved team, and boo the referee if they suspect something afoul. The thousands of fans roar as one a sea of crimson and white pennants wave in the bleachers.

Instead, the male fans congregate where they can discuss the game freely, compare notes, and voice their analysis over previous team performance. They are also likely to sign up on Crimson Tide sites on the Internet where they can get the choicest and latest tidbits about their idols. Trust a fan to find a way to get insider news.  

If the fans are wary of resorting of unruly behavior during the matches, the school athletes cannot engage in a fight during games or get entangled in any campus misdemeanors. This will cost them their membership in the team and the forfeiture of their athletic scholarship. Fans and players have to abide with the school rules to keep the peace and their reputation intact.

No Hooliganism Here

Fortunately, NCAA championship play-offs are not tarnished by violence. There is no place for hooliganism in the Division championships, unlike in England where soccer matches are marred by the violent expressions of masculinity fueled by peer pressure and regionalism.

Hooliganism in England, also called the English Disease, takes place before or after a match. Football supporters set up their fights away from the prying eyes of police officers. The free-for-all ends in deaths and grave physical injuries.

Hooligans have been profiled, and the studies are saying that most of those who are involved are young people, out-of-school youths, unemployed, and the working class. Happily, the Tide fans do not fit in this profile. They are responsible college students ready to cheer their team win or lose.  

Don’t Be an Ordinary Fan

So don’t want to be an ordinary fan? Here’s how you can go beyond your collegiate money clip with the Tide emblem:

* Buy all the Tides merchandise you can find. These are practical stuff you can wear or use at home and school.
* On game day, make sure you wear the right colors to show your support.
* Plan a tailgate party and enlist the people who can help you out.
* Put on face stickers to show you’re no ordinary fan.
* Go to the games early so you can find the perfect parking place for your tailgate party.    
* Try to get the best seats.
* Give a loud cheer when the players they emerge from the tunnel and applaud them on after a good game.  

How About the Female Fans?

The female fans can be as great as the male counterparts. They can dress up in the Tide colors, adorn their hair with crimson and white ribbons, paint their faces crimson and white with non-toxic body paints, and sing the fight songs at their loudest.

The females can be good recruiters. They can ask their non-University of Alabama boyfriends to root for their teams. They can buy all the sports magazines featuring the Crimson Tide, join fan clubs or create one, and sign up on all sports sites on the web so they can talk about their favorite football, baseball, basketball, and swim team.

Man or woman, the true fan will never resort to hooliganism nor waver in his or her allegiance even when the going is rough.

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Cashmere scarves and the fashion elegance they inspire… a single cashmere scarf can literally command respect and admiration on the person who wears it such that it should be kept in its pristine condition. This is to ensure that such a fine fashion accessory can complement the many needs of today’s modern woman – that of elegance and sophistication in the otherwise stressful career environments.

The quality of cashmere items like scarves, shawls, and toles are well known the world over. Stemming from the age-old tradition of hand woven, intricately designed neck scarfs that initially had the purpose of keeping human bodies warm during the cold summer months in India and Persia, cashmere products have clearly transformed from being a mere utility to a piece of fashion substance. Owing to the delicate nature of individual fibers of these fashion accessories, each cashmere scarf, shawl and tole hand woven by the Indian artisans from only the highest quality of wool, it pays to have these garments maintained in pristine condition. This does not necessarily mean, however that the owner of such a fine garment should spend a fortune for its upkeep.

Generally, it is best to allow ample time for the scarves and shawls made of high quality cashmere to rest in between uses. A 24-hour time period is observed from the first time it’s used and its next use, and 24 hours for every subsequent wearing of the womens scarf. This will allow the individual wool fibers to return to their original shape once the wrinkles brought about by its being worn are shed. It is highly recommended to hand cashmere scarf¸ shawls and other garments made of wool on shaped or padded hangers. Wooly garments such as cashmere can be given a breather from the abuse of frequent wear by hanging them in a steamy bathroom. The moisture from the steam will remove the wrinkles and will no longer require separate pressing.

One very important thing about prolonging the life of such delicate garments is to dry them in room temperature. First class cashmere scarf and shawls are essentially made of natural sheep’s wool that is sensitive to extreme heat. Drying them under the direct heat of the sun or in devices that produce heat can significantly damage the overall condition of these fine garments. Unless your cashmere garment has a "superwash" label, it is generally not advisable to machine wash these very sensitive fabrics because of the possibility of felting shrinkage. Hand washing is generally preferred by soaking them first in lukewarm or cold water with a mild soap or non-bleach containing liquid detergent for about 3 to 5 minutes.

The trick is in gently squeezing the soap suds through without necessarily twisting or wringing the whole cashmere garment. Rinse the garment twice in clean water with the exact temperature as the wash water and gently squeeze out excess water. Roll the garment in a towel and then pin the garment to dry away from sunlight and direct heat.

In ironing newly washed cashmere items, it is best to use a flat iron that has a built in steam function and has wool settings. The lowest setting of the flat iron is always used and the moisture coming from the steam vents facilitate the removal of wrinkles. Furthermore, don’t press directly on the right side of the fabric unless a press cloth is placed on top of the cashmere. An extra scrap of wool fabric can be good press clothes because they help to protect the resilient texture of cashmere while at the same time preventing ‘shine’ occurrences. The trick in ironing cashmere and other woolen garments is in literally "pressing" on the garment and avoiding the usual back and forth sliding motion.

and shawls made of high quality cashmere to rest in between uses. A 24-hour time period is observed from the first time it’s used and its next use, and 24 hours for every subsequent wearing of the womens scarf. This will allow the individual wool fibers to return to their original shape once the wrinkles brought about by its being worn are shed. It is highly recommended to hand cashmere scarf¸ shawls and other garments made of wool on shaped or padded hangers. Wooly garments such as cashmere can be given a breather from the abuse of frequent wear by hanging them in a steamy bathroom. The moisture from the steam will remove the wrinkles and will no longer require separate pressing.

One very important thing about prolonging the life of such delicate garments is to dry them in room temperature. First class cashmere scarf and shawls are essentially made of natural sheep’s wool that is sensitive to extreme heat. Drying them under the direct heat of the sun or in devices that produce heat can significantly damage the overall condition of these fine garments. Unless your cashmere garment has a "superwash" label, it is generally not advisable to machine wash these very sensitive fabrics because of the possibility of felting shrinkage. Hand washing is generally preferred by soaking them first in lukewarm or cold water with a mild soap or non-bleach containing liquid detergent for about 3 to 5 minutes.

The trick is in gently squeezing the soap suds through without necessarily twisting or wringing the whole cashmere garment. Rinse the garment twice in clean water with the exact temperature as the wash water and gently squeeze out excess water. Roll the garment in a towel and then pin the garment to dry away from sunlight and direct heat.

In ironing newly washed cashmere items, it is best to use a flat iron that has a built in steam function and has wool settings. The lowest setting of the flat iron is always used and the moisture coming from the steam vents facilitate the removal of wrinkles. Furthermore, don’t press directly on the right side of the fabric unless a press cloth is placed on top of the cashmere. An extra scrap of wool fabric can be good press clothes because they help to protect the resilient texture of cashmere while at the same time preventing ‘shine’ occurrences. The trick in ironing cashmere and other woolen garments is in literally "pressing" on the garment and avoiding the usual back and forth sliding motion.

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There are just certain people in this world that exude fashion genius.  Unfortunately some of the world’s most influential fashion icons who wore  fashion scarves are no longer with us, but there are still a few people alive today that always seem to look great.  Not only do these people know how to pick the best fashions, they often create the most popular trends directly with what they choose to put on.  Here is a list of the four most fashionable people on earth today and why we always love their look

Victoria "Posh Spice" Beckham
There is a reason she was given the nickname "Posh" as a member of the International superstar pop group The Spice Girls.  She’s always had an eye for great clothes.  Her amazing fashion sense and the silk scarves she wore has made her more famous than any of her music career or television career and for good reason.  Her look is always fashion forward yet sophisticated and refined.  She not only knows what clothes look great, but what clothes look great on her.  Several designers have grabbed her up for work as a model and even to create looks for their lines.  In the past few years, she has even started producing a line of clothing, fragrances, and accessories of her own.  Whether she is photographed with the kids running errands or at a red carpet event, she always looks impeccable.

Beyonce Knowles
Beyonce is a powerhouse singer and dancer with an amazing sense of style.  From her beginning days in Destiny’s Child right up to today, she has always had a look that is sexy without ever being the least bit trashy… especially when wearing trendy cashmere scarves.  She is known for being an incredibly hard worker and perfectionist, and her look always portrays a woman that we all strive to be.  Every part of her ensemble always looks well thought out and amazingly executed.  She somehow manages to perfectly blend femininity and strength into all her looks whether on stage or on the sidewalk.  She knows exactly how to accentuate all her beautiful curves while still always looking like a classy lady.  She and her mother now have a line of women’s career clothing that boasts great pieces that are actually wearable by real women.

Debra Messing
Debra Messing always shows that you don’t have to have super curves to still be super sexy.  Her looks are always classy and feminine.  Somehow she seems to specialize in putting together looks that are unique and trendy without ever looking like she is wearing a "get up".  She really watches what designers are doing and always effectively translate the latest trends into her own personal wardrobe.  Her look is always full of life and joy.  Even though she is an amazing comedian, her look is never comical.  One of her gifts is always looking perfectly appropriate.  She understands what looks good on a woman of her age, her build, and for any particular event. 

Jessica Simpson
You’ll rarely see Jessica Simpson is couture or super high fashion, but that is part of the reason for putting her on a "most fashionable" list.  She really understands how to dress like a real woman dresses.  Her line of fashion truly looks like things she actually wears and is actually affordable.  In her fashion line and in her own looks, she keeps someone manages to blend her conservative background with her rock star current life.  Her looks (except for an occasional costume for a live performance) are easily translatable into looks women of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds can really wear

Tags: silk scarves | silk scarves | cashmere | cashmere | scarves | scarves | scarfs | scarfs | scarf | scarf

So You’re an Auburn Tigers Fan

The screaming fans at the coliseum are cheering their college teams. The yelling adds to the intense drama, and the reliable university band whips up the standard Latin pep song "Oye Como Va", but win or lose, your group will show off those Auburn Tigers belts. Why not cheer on the college team far from home when the players need every morale boosting cheering?

So you’ve seen those Clemson Tigers belts, Duke Blue Devils belts, Florida Gators belts, and those Florida State Seminoles belts in different arenas. But your loyalty goes beyond the cheering and singing the "War Eagle." You have an eye for a slot in the men’s basketball team someday. Becoming a Tiger is not easy and being accepted does not mean you can take life easier, just the opposite. So how do you sign up?

Football or Basketball, It’s Still Auburn For You

Auburn Tigers men’s basketball has never won a championship in the southeastern conference but the team does give up a good fight. The Tigers have a good coach, but it make take awhile before the Tigers stun competition to win a championship in the conference.

Athletes are auditioned for the college teams or if you are a high school jock with an excellent game. You’ll be noticed by the recruiting offices of the different colleges. But there’s news that recruitment rules will have to be revamp, meaning if you’re striving for a slot, you have to be older than 19. That takes you until your sophomore year to get into the team.

At present, you have to a 2.0 minimum grade point average and at least score 700 on the Scholastic Assessment Test. On top of these requirements, you must have the speed and the power at the hard court. Aspirants can take the junior college route before going for the big time and they shouldn’t be mortified at the thought of junior college.

Here are more tips to get into the Tigers’ den:

* Have a college game plan and focus on your game.
* Keep your amateur status if you want to join college football or basketball.
* Get your amateur status certified at the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse.
* Avoid drugs no matter what they say.
* Pay attention to your classroom performance.
* Practice, exercise, and eat right.
* Keep your ear glued to the coach swapping of the different colleges just so you’ll know where you going.

But if can’t make to be an Auburn Tiger, why not think of signing up with the prestigious Auburn College Band or Tiger Eye? You can still be where the sports action and enjoy the game and get a college scholarship. 

Women Tigers?

Being a woman and eager to join the Tigers? The same rules apply to you. There are no excuses. You have to have impressive grades and SAT score. When you’re aiming for a slot, make sure you know you’re going to sign up. Like all successful athletes, focus on your agenda as early as your freshman year in high school.

Don’t be easily discouraged if you’re not tall enough or brilliant. You’ll still make it if you stick to your game plan. David Edwards of Texas A&M at 5’9" was predicted to fail in his bid for college football but amazingly. He proved all his detractors wrong. So polish your game, whether it’s golf, swimming, track and field, or equestrian, and excel at it before you aim for a collegiate sports posting. 

Auburn Fan Forever

As for now while waiting out your senior year in high school, remain the fan and until then you’ll have to bear and grin it. Well, everybody got the right to cheer his or her own college teams and even your dad cannot force you to jump for joy every time his old alma mater scores a basket. You have your team to support, whatever it means.

Being an Auburn Tigers fan does not mean you’re chained to basketball for men or women. Follow the different teams through the different sports seasons – track and field, golf, and swimming. 

The more you know about your favorite teams, the more you will be familiar with the game and the rules. If you want to become a Tiger, start with being a die-hard Tigers’ fan. When it is your turn at the field or at the pool, you’ll know how important fans are to the Tigers. So play the fan role to the hilt while you’re at it.

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