Excited!

Why is everyone so excited? ....The next issue of WV LIVING is coming soon!!!



http://www.wvlivingmagazine.com/ Subscribe today and don't miss the fun!

Snakeskin can't escape my closet

Snakeskin shoes from BCBG available at http://www.zappos.com/

Snakeskin inspired shirt from Nanette Lepore available at Shetown Divas in Shepherstown.

Snakeskin inspired bag and belt available at the Greenbrier in Lewisburg.

Not Your Daughter's Jeans at Hornor and Harrison

Ask women across America what their number one problem area is, and the response will overwhelmingly be "my belly!" What woman doesn't want to look slimmer and sexier in their jeans? Look no further, Not Your Daughter's Jeans® are here to flatten your tummy, lift your butt and allow you to wear one size smaller.

Women with real curves everywhere are discovering that these three little things are just the ticket to look and feel their best. Not Your Daughter's Jeans® challenges women to try them on and not look and feel their personal best.


From http://www.notyourdaughtersjeans.com/

Not Your Daughter's Jeans available at http://www.hornorharrison.com/ in Parkersburg, West Virginia.

From the WV Living Blog by Nikki Bowman

Generosity Knows No Borders--Building Schools in Afghanistan

Since returning to West Virginia to launch WV LIVING, I've met some amazing people doing extraordinary things. One of those people is Parween Mascari, an attorney at Jackson & Kelley in Morgantown. I swear Parween must have super powers--not only is she one of the state's leading attorneys (just look in her car--boxes of briefs are stacked to the ceiling), she co-founded Generation Morgantown, serves on numerous boards and committees--and is the mother of four children. Parween is also an Afghan-American born in Parkersburg. She jokingly calls herself a "halfghan." And she is one of the proudest and vocal West Virginians I know!

Parween recently met with some Afghan judges and lawyers in D.C., who spoke about the need for chairs in Afghan schools. Chairs. The schools have no chairs so the children stand the entire day, making learning difficult. How can a child concentrate on learning when her legs are tired and aching? And even more amazing is the fact that these schools are open air schools held under trees, which makes it difficult in even the best circumstances, but impossible in inclement weather.

Parween was so moved by the experience that in response she created a company called Sultan's Daughters, and she has been selling beautiful pashmina shawls to benefit the construction and furnishing of schools in Afghanistan through the Nooristan Foundation. She has already raised enough money to build 20% of a school in a village called Pagisam. This past Friday, she held a fundraiser in conjunction with Generation Morgantown at Cafe Bacchus and raised $2,200 to further her efforts. It only takes $16,000 USD to get a school up and running!

I am never more proud to be a West Virginian than when I'm in the company of good people doing great things. Because it isn't easy. Inertia is a powerful thing. There are so many demands on our time, it is easy to say, "I wish I could..." It is a different story to say, "I will do." For those of you who read the magazine, you know that my favorite quote is from Ghandi--"Be the change you wish to see in the world." And my friend Parween exemplifies that. It makes me so proud when I meet "Do-ers" that I want to scream from the top of a mountain, "LOOK at what West Virginians are doing! We are changing the WORLD!"

To help Parween build schools in Afghanistan, please visit please visit www.sultansdaughters.com or email sultansdaughters@hotmail.com.

Spring 2010

I've just completed a whirlwind traveling schedule visiting Manhattan's Garment District several times preparing for spring fashions. Yes- I said spring. I know, we've barely worn our current spring fashions and haven't even purchased for fall and yet designers, stylists and buyers are all searching for the hottest looks. What can we learn from this early planning? We can learn that many of the styles from this spring will continue into fall and still remain strong in 2010.

So what's in style in 2010? The 1940's will still remain an influence in the early part of spring. We'll see fitted, structured suits and a definite menswear influence continuing through fall and into the early part of the new year. We'll also see the Greek Goddess style consistant in this year as well so don't throw out your draped tops and gladiator shoes. Another trend I absolutely love is the Global Influence and it will transition slightly into an Exotic flair with rich colors and an island influence for summer 2010.

So what can we gain with this knowledge for fall 2009? Well, it's safe to wear your fitted suits, harem pants, draping tops and rich, bold colors. They will be right on trend! If you haven't purchased gladiator sandals, maxi dresses and beaded tunics- run, don't walk to the sales rack and stock up for spring 2010!

(TOP AND SCARF AVAILABLE AT VANCE'S BLUES IN MORGANTOWN)

(TOP AND SKIRT AVAILABLE AT CONI AND FRANC IN MORGANTOWN)

SALE!!

I love a sale! I just noticed that She-Town Divas, in Shepardstown, is having a HUGE sale on their JENNIFER REALE DESIGN apparel. It's up to 40% off. This brand is so cute, boasting a mixture of bold colors and classic 60's prints in styles that are fit for a woman's figure.

At these prices you can easily stock up on tank tops and sleeveless blouses that normally scream spring. The trick is layering them under blazers and cardigan for a transitional look.

Now run, don't walk to the sales racks and collect these fantastic layering pieces and make that bold statement in your wardrobe.