New York, NY, United States (AHN) – Men are at it again. They are buying more–for themselves.

The male shopper, who laid low at the onset of the recession, is back. He is buying more and spending more, and retailers are delighted.

Men are not just purchasing suits, dress shirts, ties and shoes. They are rivaling their female counterparts by loading up on accessories. They are buying bracelets, bags, hats, umbrella, belts, scarves, pocket squares, caps, metal cuffs –you name it.

Some industry forecasters predict sales growth for men’s clothing and accessories during the first three months of 2012 will set a 20-year high.

In a move to make traditional women’s accessories more appealing to men, some designers are giving them manly monikers. A bracelet is dubbed wristwear, and a purse is called a holdall.

Men were well represented at last week’s New York Fashion Week, and male adornments took center stage.

Spending on accessories is driving the men’s category. In the last half of 2011, sales grew 14 percent to about $6 billion, according to market research firm NPD Group. The trend is expected to continue.

The return of the male shopper could help pick up retail sales. And, the rebound in male shopping may also bode well for the unemployment rate. It may reflect an improved jobs picture for men.

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• Monday, February 20, 2012
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New York, NY, United States (AHN) – The reviews are still coming in for New York Fashion week, which wound down Wednesday, and they are mixed at best.

In a true New York minute, and in true New York style, many were quick to weigh in with their two cents.

Some say the designers at this year’s event did not taking enough risks this season, and the clothes looked familiar. Returning this year were last year’s favorites, such as classic pencil skirts, trim cropped pants and buttoned-up blazers.

Many designers continue to tread carefully, having survived the years-long economic downturn that has been called the worst since the Great Depression.

Others applauded fashion’s return to tradition and couture similar to staples that already hang in closets.

The top trends to emerge from New York Fashion Week include leather clothing, leather gloves, fur accessories, chunky cable knit sweaters, and men’s shoes for women.

The hottest color for fall for both men’s and women’s lines is oxblood, an inviting, deep maroon that is flattering to almost any skin tone.

Fashionistas who were hoping for more drama, glam and glitz may just get their wish as the fashion train travels on to Europe.

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• Friday, February 17, 2012
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Nashville, TN, United States (AHN) – Looks like they make beautiful scents together as well as beautiful music.

Country crooners Tim McGraw and Faith Hill have introduced new his-and-her fragrances called Soul2Soul, which is also the name of the couple’s new concert tour.

The fragrances, made by Coty, will retail for $18 and $31.50, and will hit stores later this month.

Both stars have already licensed a fragrance, but this partnership “was a natural kind of progression,” Hill commented. The couple worked closely together in creating the two bouquets.

Married for 15 years, the couple has three daughters. They will embark on a tour of Australia starting March 16.

McGraw’s latest album, “Emotional Traffic,” currently sits atop the Billboard country charts. Hill will release her first album since her 2008 Christmas album later this year.

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• Thursday, February 16, 2012
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Washington, D.C., United States (AHN) – Women might be applying more than just a splash of color when they put on lipstick.

An analysis by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has found that some 400 shades of lipsticks, from such well-known brands as L’Oreal and Cover Girl, contains trace amounts of lead.

Among the worst offenders were Maybelline’s Color Sensation in Pink Petal, which had 7.19 parts of lead per million, and L’Oreal’s Colour Riche in Volcanic which had 7 ppm.

Those amounts are nearly seven times the average level of 1.11 ppm found in the FDA tests.

Several other brands, including Cover Girl and NARS, had lead levels in the 4 to 5 ppm range.

Still, the FDA maintains that all the lead levels in the lipsticks are safe. The agency says on its website, “Our results do not show levels of lead in lipstick that would pose a safety concern.”

However, not everyone is convinced. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics had been pushing the U.S. government to set limits on lead in cosmetics. The group also wants the FDA to research whether there are dangers to having lead-containing lipstick applied to lips, where lead can enter the mouth and be swallowed.

The FDA says there is no need to be concerned because lipstick is a topical product with limited absorption. If any is ingested, they say, it is in very small quantities. Regardless, the FDA says it is considering establishing a limit.

The complete list of lipsticks can be found at: http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/ProductandIngredientSafety/ProductInformation/ucm137224.htm#expanalyses.

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• Wednesday, February 15, 2012
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New York, NY, United States (AHN) – Madison Square Garden raised the “ruff” for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

The two-day judging event began Monday, and the Best in Show ribbon was presented Tuesday night to a 4-year-old, 11-pound Pekingese.

More than 2,000 dogs comprising 185 breeds and varieties competed. Malachy, the tiny Pekingese, took the top honors.

Fans and critics were quick to react on Twitter. Some said Malachy looked like a pair of fluffy slippers and others commented he looked like a mop. But judges agreed the Malachy had the looks, the walk and the personality for the top honors.

Malachy is the No. 2 dog in the U.S. and has won 115 Best in Shows. The canine beat six other group winners to become the fourth Peke to win Westminster and the first since 1990.

Emily, an Irish setter, won the sporting group. Fifi, a Doberman, took the working group, while Cinders, a wired-haired dachshund, won the hound group.

Handler David Fitzpatrick said Malachy will retire after Westminster.

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• Wednesday, February 15, 2012
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NYC, NY, United States (AHN) – As in the past, the Late Show with David Letterman had the honor of revealing the model who will grace the cover of the coveted Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue.

The distinction for 2012 went to American model Kate Upton. The 19-year-old beauty, who hails from Florida, was featured last year as the “Rookie of the Year,” behind Irina Shayk who was pictured on last year’s cover.

Upton, whose measurements are 33D-25-36, is poured into a barely-there bikini on a pristine and beautiful beach on St. George Island, Fla. In the stunning blonde’s short career, she has been seen as the face of Guess, has made several commercial appearances and even made her acting debut in the film “Tower Heist.”

For those who are not already running out to their mailboxes hoping for the arrival of the most highly anticipated SI edition, others can get the 2012 Swimsuit Issue at stores this week.

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• Tuesday, February 14, 2012
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Los Angeles, CA, United States (AHN) – Adele swept the Grammy Awards Sunday night winning all six awards she was nominate for.

Her album “21,” which vaulted the singer to unreachable stardom, is full of heartbreak, sadness and loneliness. Adele told Vogue that she done being a “bitter witch,” and is through with writing breakup songs.

The British fan favorite has a new boyfriend and she says she is totally in love.

While Adele’s loyal and loving fans are glad for her new found happiness, many are mourning the supposed end to those tear-jerking, touching and melancholy tunes.

It is yet to be seen if Adele’s soulful voice will deliver the same results with perky and upbeats songs.

But fans will be waiting and watching, and anxiously wistful for more Adele.

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• Tuesday, February 14, 2012
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NYC, NY, United States (AHN) – Oscar de la Renta, the high-fashion, esteemed and accomplished designer, known for his pricey gowns and dresses, is launching a digital inspiration board open to everyone who wants to share an idea for his next collection.

For the next three months, anyone can upload an image or video that will be viewed by the legendary designer.

“The Board” will open after de la Renta’s Tuesday runway show at New York City Fashion Week, and will run through May.

But, those budding designers who are seeking fame and fortune should known that they will not be paid for anything they submit, even if their submission is deemed useful.

The new Oscar de la Renta initiative can be found online at TheBoard.OscardelaRenta.com. The launch is the designer’s latest foray into social media, and is the icon’s most recent attempt at connecting further with fans.

Mr. de la Renta’s Facebook page has more than 300,000 “Likes,” and his Twitter account boasts some 110,000 followers.

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• Tuesday, February 14, 2012
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NYC, NY, United States (AHN) – As in the past, the Late Show with David Letterman had the honor of revealing the model who will grace the cover of the coveted Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue.

The distinction for 2012 went to American model Kate Upton. The 19-year-old beauty, who hails from Florida, was featured last year as the “Rookie of the Year,” behind Irina Shayk who was pictured on last year’s cover.

Upton, whose measurements are 33D-25-36, is poured into a barely-there bikini on a pristine and beautiful beach on St. George Island, Fla. In the stunning blonde’s short career, she has been seen as the face of Guess, has made several commercial appearances and even made her acting debut in the film “Tower Heist.”

For those who are not already running out to their mailboxes hoping for the arrival of the most highly anticipated SI edition, others can get the 2012 Swimsuit Issue at stores this week.

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• Tuesday, February 14, 2012
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United States (AHN) – On Tuesday, millions of romantics, both young and old, will express their ardor and appreciation to their special someone (or ones) in a variety of ways.

Following are a few fun facts and tidbits about the popular day traditionally linked to love.

Valentine’s Day is named in honor of St. Valentine who secretly married couples in the Roman Empire after Emperor Claudius II of Rome canceled all marriages and engagements.

Some 1 million cards are sold and exchanged in the United States each Valentine’s Day, making it the second biggest day for the greeting industry after Christmas.

In order of popularity, Valentine’s Day cards are purchased for teachers, children, mothers, wives, sweethearts and pets.

More than 50 million roses are given as gifts on Valentine’s Day, with red the most favored hue. Approximately 110 million roses will be sold over a three-day time frame in the United States this year.

Roses are a potent romantic symbol of passion, beauty and love. Red roses symbolize love, yellow is for friendship, white stands for purity, and pink is for sweethearts. Black roses signify farewell, alas.

In addition to cards and roses, chocolates, sweets, lingerie, stuffed animals, perfume and jewelry are other popular gifts on Valentine’s Day.

According to the Retail Federation, Americans will spend an average of $126 each on their special someone.

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• Monday, February 13, 2012
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