Treat and Boost Fertility with Avocados and Olive Oil

For women trying to get pregnant through IVF treatments, a new study finds that eating avocados and olive oil might boost their chances of success.

Dr. Jorge Chavarro and colleagues at the Harvard School of Public Health in the US looked at how intake of different types of fats affected success of IVF treatment in 147 women, mostly in their 30s. 

Findings revealed that diets rich in foods typically eaten as part of the Mediterranean diet, including sunflower oil and nuts and seeds, tripled the chances of success for women having the fertility treatment.

In contrast, women who ate mostly saturated fat, found in dairy products and red meat, produced fewer good eggs for use in fertility treatment. High saturated fat intake has already been linked to lower sperm counts. 

The study was presented on July 3 at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology in Istanbul.

"The best kinds of food to eat are avocados, which have a lot of monounsaturated fat and low levels of other sorts of fat, and olive oil," said Chavarro. He said the study was small and more research is needed before clinical advice can be given to women. "While these results are interesting, this is the first time to our knowledge that dietary fats have been linked to treatment outcome in IVF."

Another new study presented at the same conference found that women who reported drinking five or more cups of coffee a day at the start of IVF treatment reduced their chance of success by 50 percent. The Danish researchers described heavy coffee drinking as being "comparable to the detrimental effect of smoking."

Read more »

Beauty Products Containing Excessive Amount of Mercury Found

MANILA, Philippines --- A consumer watchdog is urging the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ban supposed harmful skin whitening products sold in the Philippines after it found 13 of them containing excessive amounts of mercury.

Ecowaste Coalition said 13 of the 14 skin whitening products it purchased in stores in Manila and Makati Cities contained excessive levels of mercury from 550 parts per million (ppm) to 60,800 ppm in violation of the 1 ppm allowable limit under the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Cosmetics Directive. 

It said mercury can damage the kidneys and nervous system, and adversely affect the normal development of the brain in fetuses and young children.

In 2010 and 2011, the FDA banned 50 skin whitening products in the country that were found to contain mercury levels that exceeded the 1 ppm limit.

"We have notified the FDA about the illicit sale of mercury-tainted products that lure consumers with the promise of lighter complexion and removal of facial freckles, scars and spots. These products are dangerous and should not be sold to uninformed consumers," said Aileen Lucero of the EcoWaste Coalition's "Project Protect."

Dr. Bessie Antonio of the East Avenue Medical Center told Ecowaste Coalition that even those not using skin whitening products with mercury can be exposed to the poison.

"A child, for example, can inhale the mercury vapor with the application of the cream by the user or even directly ingest mercury if she touches a person who used the cream and then placed her hands into her mouth," said Antonio, a pediatric toxicologist.

Ecowaste Coalition said the 13 skin whitening products containing excessive mercury were purchased from stores in Binondo, Divisoria, Quiapo, and Sta. Cruz in Manila and Guadalupe in Makati.

The products were screened for mercury using an X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer, Lucero said.

Ecowaste Coalition has sent a letter to FDA Officer-in-Charge Nicolas Lutero III, urging the agency to issue a new advisory to ban products containing mercury beyond 1 ppm.

It also urged the FDA to publish consumer education material to inform the public about the dangers of cosmetics containing mercury.

The coalition also urged victims of mercury exposure from skin whitening products to come out.

FDA Spokesman Ronald de Vera told the Manila Bulletin that the FDA will conduct laboratory tests on the products submitted by Ecowaste Coalition.

He said if the FDA confirmatory tests showed that these products contained mercury beyond the 1 ppm allowable level, the FDA will immediately issue an advisory against these products.

Ecowaste identified the 13 products it tested positive of high levels of mercury between on June 18-19 as:

1. Feique Whitening Anti-Freckle Cream manufactured/distributed by GLDJB (Harbin) Cosmetics Ltd.,China (purchased for P60 from stall IA 43-45, 168 Mall, Divisoria, Manila), 16,000 ppm of mercury;

2. Feique Golden Aloe Whitening Anti-Scar, Anti Freckle Set manufactured/distributed by GLDJB (Harbin)Cosmetics Ltd., China (purchased for P60 from stall IA 43-45, 168 Mall, Divisoria, Manila), 25,000 ppm of mercury;

3. Feique Green Tea Vital Whitening Freckle-Removing Cream manufactured/distributed by GLDJB (Harbin) Cosmetics Ltd., China (purchased for P150 from stall IA 43-45, 168 Mall, Divisoria, Manila), 15,800 ppm of mercury;

4. Bai Li Tou Hong manufactured/distributed by (not indicated in English) (purchased for P150 from stall IA 43-45, 168 Mall,Divisoria, Manila), 46,700 ppm of mercury;

5. Maidaifu Herbal Moisturizing and Whitening Cream manufactured/distributed by (not indicated in English) (purchased forP180 from Stall IA-45, 168 Mall, Divisoria, Manila), 60,800 ppm of mercury;

6. Green Cucumber and Ginseng 6 Days Specific Eliminating Freckle Whitening Set manufactured/distributed by Yudantang International, Taiwan (purchased for P120 from stall IR-24, 168Mall, Divisoria), 9,414 ppm of mercury;

7. Loreial Paris Anti-Freckle Cream Suit manufactured/distributed by (not indicated on the label) (purchased for P120 from stall IB 2-4 999 Shopping Mall,Divisoria, Manila), 1,371 ppm of mercury;

8. Aichun Beauty Strongly Whitening Freckle Series (3 in one) manufactured/distributed by France Sasa (HK) International Group Ltd. / Livepro Beauty Cosmetics Co. Ltd., China (purchased for P98 from G2 Beauty Products, Villalobos St., Quiapo, Manila), 550 ppm of mercury;

9. "Special Cream" (double, label in Chinese) manufactured/distributed by (not indicated in English) (purchased for P80 from stall G-162 Good Earth Mall, Bustos St., Sta. Cruz, Manila), 1,565 ppm of mercury;

10. "Special Cream" (single, label in Chinese) manufactured/distributed by (not indicated in English) (purchased for P80 from Famous Chinese Drug Store, Recto Ave. near Rizal Ave., Sta. Cruz, Manila), 1,378 ppm of mercury;

11. Yudantang Ginseng and Ganoderma Lucidum 6 Days Specific Eliminating Freckle Whitening Sun Block Cream manufactured/distributed by Yudantang International, Taiwan (purchased for P140 from Rose and Fujikura General Merchandise, Uni-Mec Supermarket, Guadalupe, Makati City), 31,300 ppm of mercury;

12. Aichun Beauty Green Tea Whitening Speckle Removing Series (3 in one) manufactured/distributed by France Sasa (HK) International Group Ltd./Livepro Beauty Cosmetic Co. Ltd., China (purchased for P90 from G2 Beauty Products, Carriedo St., Quiapo, Manila), 1,250 ppm of mercury; and

13. Aichun Beauty Pawpaw Whitening and Freckle Remover Series (3 in one) manufactured/distributed by France Sasa (HK) International Group Ltd./Livepro Beauty Cosmetic Co. Ltd., China (purchased for P90 from G2 Beauty Products, Carriedo St., Quiapo, Manila), 867 ppm of mercury.

Read more »

World's Highly Paid Models (According to Forbes)

Gisele Bündchen has been named the highest paid model in the world 2012. The Victoria's Secret star has topped a list compiled by Forbes.com, which takes in estimated earnings for the 12 months after May 1 2011. 

It is the second year running the Brazilian star has come in at number one, making $45 million this time around. "As the world's most powerful supermodel, she racks up modelling gigs, spokesperson deals, and independent licensing ventures at every turn," the site reports. Victoria's Secret models dominated the top ten list, with Miranda Kerr, Candice Swanepoel and Alessandra Ambrosio also appearing. Ed Razek of the lingerie provider's parent company Limited Brands discussed why the women who work for the firm are so special.

Gisele has deals with companies such as Pantene, Espirit and Versace, models for many big name brands and is currently looking for the next big model in her native country. 

British star Kate Moss came second with $9.2 million, down over $4 million from her previous annual earnings. She has deals with Mango and Longchamp which helped her rake in the cash. "In the entire history of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, 140 separate women have walked that runway," he told Forbes.com. "There are seven billion people on the planet. That makes each of them not one in a million, not one in five million, not one in ten million. That literally makes them one in 50 million humans."

Heidi Klum could have clinched the second spot as she earned around $20 million but as she is no longer a Victoria's Secret Angel and is now known for appearing on TV show Project Runway, the publication considerers her a mogul rather than a model. Rounding out the top five are Natalia Vodianova with $8.6 million and Adriana Lima with $7.3 million.

Forbes.com list of highest paid supermodels: 1. Gisele Bündchen - $45 million

Forbes.com list of highest paid supermodels: 2. Kate Moss - $9.2 million

Forbes.com list of highest paid supermodels: 3. Natalia Vodianova - $8.6 million

Forbes.com list of highest paid supermodels: 4. Adriana Lima - $7.3 million

Forbes.com list of highest paid supermodels: 5. Doutzen Kroes - $6.9 million

Forbes.com list of highest paid supermodels: 6. Alessandra Ambrosio - $6.6 million

Forbes.com list of highest paid supermodels: 7. Miranda Kerr - $4 million

Forbes.com list of highest paid supermodels: 8. Lara Stone - $3.8 million

Forbes.com list of highest paid supermodels: 9. Carolyn Murphy - $3.5 million

Forbes.com list of highest paid supermodels: 10. Candice Swanepoel - $3.1 million

Read more »

Effect Of Sugar On Your Brain

A study was published by US scientists at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) stating that too much intake of sugar can have an effect on your brainpower but it can be counteract by including an OMEGA-3 fatty acid on your diet. The said study was tested on rats wherein they underwent a high fructose corn syrup diet and how their memories were shattered by the corn syrup solution.

Two groups of lab rats were fed a solution that contains high-fructose corn syrup as drinking water for six weeks. This high fructose syrup is commonly used as an ingredient in processed foods. It is commonly found in soda, condiments, applesauce, baby food and other processed snacks. They have given one group of rats brain-boosting omega-3 fatty acids in a form of flaxseed oil and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) as a supplement, the other group has none.

To see the actual effect of the high sugar intake, they have provided a complicated maze and placed the rats there for a five-day training session before the start of the sugar taking. After six weeks of drinking the solution, the rats were placed back on the maze to see how they perform. As a result, the DHA-deprived animals were less capable of solving the maze unlike before they were given the solution. It is also revealed that these rats developed signs of resistance to insulin, a hormone that controls blood sugar and regulates brain function.

Here’s the explanation on the result according to Fernando Gomez-Pinilla, a professor of neurosurgery at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.

“The DHA-deprived animals were slower, and their brains showed a decline in synaptic activity. Their brain cells had trouble signaling each other, disrupting the rats’ ability to think clearly and recall the route they’d learned six weeks earlier.”

“Because insulin can penetrate the blood-brain barrier, the hormone may signal neurons to trigger reactions that disrupt learning and cause memory loss.”

“Insulin is important in the body for controlling blood sugar, but it may play a different role in the brain, where insulin appears to disturb memory and learning. Our study shows that a high-fructose diet harms the brain as well as the body. This is something new.”

“Our findings illustrate that what you eat affects how you think. Eating a high-fructose diet over the long term alters your brain’s ability to learn and remember information. But adding omega-3 fatty acids to your meals can help minimize the damage.”

According to the US  Department of Agriculture, on a yearly basis, an average American consumes more than 40 pounds (18 kilograms) of high fructose corn syrup. This means that we should always watch what we eat especially when it comes to sweets because too much fructose intake could interfere on the insulin in our body which is necessary for processing our thoughts and emotions.

Read more »

Heavy Metals in Cosmetics Revealed

In light of recent news that the FDA found lead in 400 brands of lipstick. Historically, women have risked their health for beauty by using cosmetics laden with poisons. It's reported that Queen Elizabeth's face became so disfigured from lead-contaminated makeup, she had all the mirrors in her palace removed. In 18th century France, courtesans applied vermilion rouge, which contained sulfur and mercury, and suffered damage to their teeth, livers, and nervous systems as a result. While the levels are much lower, according to a 2011 report by Environmental Defense, an Ontario-based research group, dangerous heavy metals still lurk in lip gloss, mascara, foundation, blush, eye shadow, and eyeliner. 

The researchers tested a total of 49 common products selected from the cosmetic bags of six average Canadian women. They found that every product contained at least one of seven heavy metals including arsenic, cadmium, lead, nickel, beryllium, thallium, and selenium. Lead, a known neurotoxin, showed up in 96% of the items. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that lead exposure is not safe at any level. Heavy metals are considered a by-product of manufacturing and it's worth noting that none were listed in the ingredients lists on the cosmetics' labels.

There is scientific debate about safe levels of heavy metals in the body. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, which pushed for the FDA's recent scrutiny of lipstick, points out that, "Individual exposures to these metals in small amounts are unlikely to cause harm, but heavy metals can build up in the body over time and may increase risk for a variety of health problems." The U.S. Department of Labor links arsenic to stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and cancer of the bladder, lungs, skin, kidney, nasal passages, liver, and prostate.

The report notes that the highest levels of arsenic, cadmium, and lead overall were found in lip gloss, which can be ingested orally. Of the items tested, Benefit Benetint lip gloss contained the highest level of lead at 110 parts per millions (ppm), which is more than 10 times higher than the limit set by the Health Canada Draft Guidance on Heavy Metal Impurities in Cosmetics.

Other products found to have the highest levels of impurities were:

• Clinique Stay True Makeup foundation (Stay Ivory) — arsenic, cadmium, beryllium, lead, nickel, thallium

• Sephora Sculpting Powder Trio eye shadow (Brown and Pink) — beryllium, lead, nickel, thallium

• MAC Sheerton Shimmer Blush (Springsheen) — beryllium, lead, nickel, thallium

• L'Oreal Bare Naturale mascara (Black/Brown) — arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, lead, nickel, thallium

• Cover Girl Perfect Point Plus eyeliner (Black Onyx) — beryllium, cadmium, lead, nickel

• Almay Intense i-color Trio eye color (Trio for Blues, Brown and Dark Grey) — beryllium, cadmium, lead, nickel, selenium

• Benefit Benetint Pocket Pal (Red Tint and Clear Gloss) — arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, lead, nickel, selenium, thallium

Cost is no indicator that a product contains lower levels of heavy metals. Erin Charter, one of the women whose cosmetics were tested, commented, "The product [Benefit Benetint lip gloss] I spend the most money on, because I thought it was better for me, ended up being the worst out of anything tested!"

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics supports passage of the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2011, which was designed to give the FDA authority to ensure that personal care products are free of harmful ingredients. It also mandates that contaminants, such as heavy metals, be fully disclosed. In the meantime, the Environmental Working Group has a user-friendly searchable database that rates the safety of thousands of cosmetics and other personal care products. 

source:http://shine.yahoo.com/green/heavy-metals-found-many-cosmetics-not-listed-labels-194900866.html

Read more »

2012 Fashion Trends - Renaissance of the Retro Styles

A leading retail trend consultant has predicted a renaissance for 1920s and 1950s fashions this year, while a WWD report suggests a surge of candy colors.

A recent report by The Associated Press via The Daily Mail looks at how runway looks will be translated for high street consumers in 2012.

According to Catherine Moellering, executive vice president of fashion and retail trend consultants Tobe Report, consumers can expect to see "exotic safari looks, candy colors, flattering 50s-style dresses and touches from the 20s" next year, with this being particularly prominent thanks to the release of Baz Luhrmann's movie adaptation of 1925 novel The Great Gatsby.

1920s-themed pieces such as drop waists, beaded chiffon dresses, cloche hats and waistcoats were prominent features in Spring/Summer 12 collections from labels such as Etro, Gucci and Ralph Lauren.

Meanwhile, fashion houses such as Prada evoked 1950s Hollywood glamour via Marilyn Monroe-inspired pleats and pin-up style polka-dot bikinis.

In terms of color, a recent article in WWD where retailers selected their favorite designer collections for Summer 2012 emphasizes the significance of pastel shades for 2012. Averyl Oates, buying director at British department store Harvey Nichols told the publication it expected the Alexander McQueen line to sell well, praising in particular the "color palette in shades of gold, coral, lilac, silver and cream."

Nicole Fischelis, vice president and fashion director of Macy’s group, also praised the "sensuous feminine color" and "importance of shimmer and iridescence" in the Giambattista Valli Spring 12 line, predicting the designer’s accessories such as multiple bangles and chain shoes will be "must-haves" for the season.

That isn’t to say vibrant tones will be absent in fashion. Color forecasting firm Pantone declared Tangerine Tango as the defining shade for 2012 earlier this month, and designers including Tommy Hilfiger, Cynthia Steffe, Elie Tahari, Adrienne Vittadini and Nanette Lepore used bright oranges a great deal in their Spring 12 lines.

Read more »

Menswear Fashion Prediction 2012

US menswear manufacturers have noted an increase in male tailored clothing, with slimline suits set to dominate 2012.

A report published December 8 on WWD saw major American menswear retailers highlight an increasing trend towards flattering attire for gentlemen.

American market research company The NPD Group says tailored clothing sales rose more than 11 percent and sales of men’s tailored shirts rose more than 3 percent in the first half of 2011.

Although the trend for slim silhouettes has been attributed to the younger generations, older men are also looking to appear more toned in their attire.

The popularity of slim-style suits and sportswear for all generations has been noted by retailers including Men’s Wearhouse, America’s largest suit seller. The brand’s CEO Doug Ewert explained the increasing popularity of fitted sports coats and dress shirts.

"These looks mostly target a younger customer; however, we’re starting to see growing acceptance among middle-aged customers. A modern fit is cut closer to the body," he explained.

"Other characteristics include narrower lapels on suits and sport coats and narrower ties."

Meanwhile, Brooks Brothers' Lou Amendola explained that customers are "definitely looking for suits in a slimmer silhouette" and in classic colors such as navy, gray and simple pinstripes.

For this reason, the brand will introduce a "youthful sack suit" called the Cambridge in Spring 2012.

Ronny Wurtzburger, president of Peerless Clothing, which produces clothing for labels including Calvin Klein, Michael Kors and DKNY, has also predicted a rise in vested clothing, while explaining that shorter length jackets have been driving sales.

"A shorter jacket and tapered pants gives the slim customer a look that is different than his father’s. It’s a very hip look," he explained.

Other menswear brands including Hugo Boss, Burberry London and Ralph Lauren Black Label are all known for their slimline tailored suits.

Read more »

Best Shopping Streets in US

Holiday shopping can be stressful, cutthroat and, at its worst, fruitless. Sometimes the journey to the perfect present starts with an hour-long line at the mall parking garage. Talk about frustrating: You can't take your foot off the brake, let alone step into a store. So, we decided to ditch our wheels and take to the streets on foot.

Spotting glamorous couture on waifish mannequins and gawking at this year's holiday window displays are just two of the allures to "on-the-ground" shopping. And these come free of charge. We think picking presents should be fun, so we've searched far and wide for America's best commercial boulevards. Here is what we've found. On these select avenues, stores are deemed historic sites, sidewalks become catwalks and shopping bags equal merit badges.

Rodeo Drive

Los Angeles, California

Southern California winters are nothing short of nirvana. Once you get past the fact that Christmas lights hang atop palm trees instead of pine ones, the snow-less holidays can be quite enjoyable. There's no better way in L.A. to prep for the gift-giving season then to motor your convertible down to Rodeo Drive for some designer duds. This strip of luxury stores is iconic, gorgeous and as pricey as ever. Nearly every big-name designer has an outpost: Chanel, Fendi, Jimmy Choo, Prada, YSL … the list goes on. But can you put a price on living out your "Pretty Woman" fantasy? Yes you can, and the total comes to: astronomical credit card debt.

Michigan Avenue

Chicago, Illinois 

Michigan Avenue hosts some of Chicago's most beloved monuments, the Chicago Water Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park and, of course, the "Magnificent Mile" -- a collection of hundreds of stores and restaurants. The city decorates this wonderful commercial stretch with twinkling lights, while the shops do their part to engineer creative holiday displays in their windows. We admit that strolling Michigan Avenue in Chi-Town's bitter cold conditions can be a challenge, but most shoppers don't mind retreating into department stores like Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom to warm up.

Newbury Street

Boston, Massachusetts 

It's hard to be glamorous wearing a parka (just ask those Minnesotans). But in New England, there's one premier place to go to learn how to look trendy while staying warm -- Boston's Newbury Street. Despite its regal appearance, this avenue (along with the surrounding neighborhood) was once underwater as part of Boston Harbor until the late 19th century. Considering itself the "Rodeo Drive of the East," Newbury Street's varied architectural styles and wide sidewalks give it a relaxed prestige. In early December, the retailers put on a "Holiday Stroll" -- complete with festive snacks and generous discounts -- to kick-off the shopping season. With a full belly and an even fuller wallet, perusing winter collections is much more fun.

Nicollet Avenue

Minneapolis, Minnesota 

Some people think that, apart from Chicago, Midwest fashion is non-existent. Those people are flat-out wrong. North of the Windy City, Minneapolis flexes its buying power on Nicollet Avenue, specifically the 13-block stretch called the Nicollet Mall. Here, you'll find stores that cater to a range of budgets. And while the city's indoor Mall of America still attracts some of the most die-hard shopaholics (not to mention cold-weather phobics), we think you'll appreciate the friendly atmosphere exhibited on this urban street. Minneapolis' holiday spirit is best seen during the Holidazzle parades, which proceed through Nicollet Mall every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 6:30 p.m. between Thanksgiving and the weekend before Christmas.

NW 23rd Avenue

Portland, Oregon 

Portland concocts shopping streets as only the Northwest can: Quirky, fun and chic. The best example of the region's commercial eccentricity is NW 23rd Avenue. Don't expect the skyscrapers of Michigan Avenue or the Italian designers of Rodeo Drive. Here, you'll find homegrown talent -- case in point, shop owner and Portlander Lynn Medoff, who creates fabric wonders in her dress boutique Lena Medoyeff. There are also special-interest boutiques, like The Hip Hound, which caters to dog lovers. Plus, Portland's easygoing attitude makes shopping along NW 23rd Avenue much less stressful.

Fillmore Street

San Francisco, California 

Counterbalancing New York as a coastal heavyweight, San Francisco (with some assistance from Los Angeles) establishes West Coast culture. However, shopping in SF is surprisingly decentralized: While the Union Square area hosts the most recognizable stores, Fillmore Street is the best place to catch the up-and-coming trends. The stretch between Jackson Street and Geary Street is lined with retailers and eateries, waiting to be explored. And unlike other commercial areas, Fillmore appeals to those with varied interests; it has three quaint bookstores, three flower shops and even three hardware outlets scattered among the upscale clothiers. Like Boston's Newbury Street, Fillmore Street gets into the spirit with a "Holiday Stroll" in December, when you can enjoy festive entertainment, sweets and discounts.   

King Street

Charleston, South Carolina 

While many consider Atlanta to be the shopping destination of the South, we find Charleston to be much more appealing. In our opinion, Buckhead's mega-malls can't compete with the charms of King Street. This historic avenue pulses with pedestrians in search of the perfect outfit or gift. Beautiful buildings house big-name brands like Apple and Banana Republic; however, it's the number of family-owned boutiques and male clothiers that really distinguishes King Street. Gentlemen should head to Bob Ellis for shoes and M. Dumas & Sons for apparel, as both are third-generation family-operated Charleston landmarks. Although King Street bustles with pastel-clad patrons particularly in the spring, you'll find Southern hospitality persists year-round.

M Street NW

Washington, D.C. 

Most people don't come to Washington, D.C. to shop. Capitol Hill politics dominate the city's social scene. But, take one look at C-SPAN, and you'll see the congressmen aren't dressing too shabby these days. There's only one place to go for the latest styles, and that's M Street NW in the classic Georgetown neighborhood. With its Wisconsin Avenue offshoot, the M Street area hosts preppy mainstays like Ralph Lauren, Vineyard Vines and Brooks Brothers, as well as an assortment of dining options. The crowded thoroughfare has seen many of its independent retailers replaced by luxe brands like Michael Kors and Barbour. But you can still find several sovereign shops -- such as Wink and Sangaree -- holding their own among their new neighbors. This year's winter shoppers will relish "Merriment in Georgetown," a 12-day event featuring holiday-themed food and, of course, shopping specials.

Las Vegas Boulevard

Las Vegas, Nevada 

This is perhaps the most exhausting street on our list, but we promise that Las Vegas Boulevard (otherwise known as the Strip) is well worth a visit. Sin City's main thoroughfare is lined with a multitude of palatial casino-resorts, and nearly each one contains a labyrinth of shops that could put your local mall to shame. Plus, meandering these commercial corridors is like traveling around the world and finding the same contemporary styles. Our favorite venues on the Strip are the Forum Shops at Caesars, the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian, the über-luxurious Via Bellagio and the brand-new Crystals at CityCenter. All we can say is that we hope you hit the jackpot, because Vegas will certainly show you how to spend it.

Fifth Avenue

New York City, N.Y. 

Classic, iconic, majestic … Fifth Avenue is America's premier shopping street. With old monuments like Tiffany & Co. and new ones like the Apple Store, this avenue's Midtown stretch validates commercial success. A company that secures a Fifth Avenue address is making a statement to the world that it has "made it." And the payoff is that consumers can find many of their favorite brands on one street, carefully aligned like dominos. We recognize that the Upper East Side's Madison Avenue also demonstrates a fashionable flair, while SoHo's trendy designers cater to the uniquely hip. But in our opinion, Fifth Avenue still reigns supreme. Even if you aren't looking to buy, at least pass by Bergdorf Goodman, Lord & Taylor and Saks Fifth Avenue for a peek at their holiday window displays.

Read more »

India: An Arising Fashion Center

Move aside New York, Paris, and London. India may be quickly rising to fashion's front row.

This week, India opened its doors to foreign retailers in a move that is expected to open the floodgates to western brands entering the skyrocketing Indian market.

Unlike in the past, overseas retailers will now be allowed foreign ownership in India at a 51 percent rate for multi-brand retailers like Wal-Mart Stores and Tesco and at 100 percent for retailers with a single brand. This is a first for the large retail chains like Wal-Mart and Tesco, who are welcoming the flexible business models.

Stores like Salvatore Ferragamo and LVMH's Louis Vuitton have been inching into the vast Indian fashion market for some time. However, until now, most of these stores have been found in five-star hotels or in one of the only two luxury malls DLF's Emporio in New Delhi and Bangalore. In the past, these single-brand retailers have had partnerships with different joint ventures with 51 percent FDI limits, which means their Indian partners like Reliance Group, TATA Group and Adithya Birla received a cut of the profits.

But this new policy will be a "game changer" for the retail industry in India, says Michael Moriarty, vice president and partner at A.T. Kearney, a retail consulting firm.

"We've been waiting for this policy change for several years, and the major players have been developing their strategies in anticipation of this change." That change he is referring to is the influx of new stores that will soon open their doors in cities like New Delhi and Mumbai.

India's retail industry is a fast-growing one, at a rate of more than 20 percent each year, up from 8 to 10 percent four years ago. The size of sector is expected to rise to $833 billion by 2013 and to $1.3 trillion by 2018. The Indian retail business employs around 7 percent of world's second most populated country.

Goldman Sachs Asset Management Chairman Jim O'Neill, the man who coined the term BRICs, recently wrote in a note that he could see India's economy accelerate, while its counterparties may see more of a modest growth. He believes this policy change could be the catalyst that puts India in the same path to achieving "China-style GDP growth rates."

"This is obviously huge news for the world's biggest retailers given India's fabulous demographic but it is probably even more important for Indian agriculture productivity and supply chains which is why policymakers have finally decided to take this step," he said.

India's retail structure is shifting. "We foresee the Indian consumer per capita income roughly doubling from $4,000 to $8,000. This is an important jump, as it includes increased expenditure on non-basic foods and non-food categories but also an increased use of organized rather than traditional retail formats," Moriarty told CNBC.

Consumer predilection for higher-end goods and higher-quality foods are increasing along with their increasing income. He says, since the new policy requires that 50 percent of any foreign direct investment go into bank-end infrastructure, it will improve the current structure and make the business more economical. It will also manage the growing demand for higher-quality products.

Foot traffic is gaining traction as well. Steve Madden and Kenneth Cole are the latest western brands that have agreed to expand in India through an agreement with Reliance Brands Limited, which also runs operations for Ermenegildo Zegna, Quiksilver and Paul & Shark in India. It was only last month that Hermes opened its first street-level, stand-alone store in Mumbai. The company has only three stores countrywide. But with the new policy that gives them 100 percent foreign ownership, India is expected to see a large flow of foreign designers, like Hermes, opening more doors.

India has not always been on the radar when it comes to fashion, but that could soon change. India's influence in the fashion industry is growing and as western retail brands start flowing into the country, we will begin to see it become a growing influence and presence. Just ask Karl Lagerfeld, who will take his next Métiers d'Art collection for Chanel into the world of India.

Read more »