PAGE 2C Laredo Morning Times Social Events Style Briefs By The Associated Press Lil’ Kim, fashion star NEW YORK — Lil’ Kim has gone Hollyhood. That’s the name of the clothing line the singer plans to launch under a partnership with manufacturer World Recognition International. Lil’ Kim will design the tops, denim and activewear that is expected to be in stores next fall. “‘Hollyhood’ is a label for those who believe in my philosophy that there are no rules when it comes to fashion; it’s about having fun and choosing to dress in a way that makes you feel good,” says Lil’ Kim. She also says she’s thrilled that after years of expressing her love of fashion through her music, she now has the platform to dress women. Neil Mossberg, CEO of WRI, expects Lil’ Kim to be a natural for the fashion business based on her cutting-edge style and broad fan base. The next big things NEW YORK — Out with the old — tailored pencil skirts — and in with the new — floor-length casual skirts. That’s how Lucky is ushering in the new year. The magazine’s editors make predictions in the January issue of what will be the next big things, and longer, looser skirts, such as Kathy Kemp’s lace version — top the list. Other trends foreseen in 2005 include the romantic Grecian look, achieved with the lines of a classical top or a rope-style belt, coral-colored makeup and Indigo Hand jeans, which have a clean and basic style reminiscent of workman’s jeans. Also look for jewelry that features a smaller sparkly rock within a big earthy stone. Aviator’s style NEW YORK — The bomber jacket that Leonardo DiCaprio wears in “The Aviator” isn’t Howard Hughes’ original but it is based on a 75-year-old design. Belstaff’s Aviator collection, of which pieces are already being sold at Saks Fifth Avenue, is inspired by archival pieces from the company museum in Stock-on-Trent, England. Belstaff’s hallmark is the performance of its fabrics: When it was producing jackets for airmen in the 1930s and ‘40s, the jackets needed to be able to protect “the aviators” from the rain, allow for movement and be adaptable to extreme temperatures. A full Belstaff Aviator line, including sportswear, glasses and boots, will be in stores this spring. Belstaff actually has a role in three other current movies, “Ocean’s Twelve”, “Blade: Trinity” and “National Treasure.” Louis and Uma NEW YORK — Louis Vuitton reached for a star for its spring ad campaign: Uma Thurman. She wears a beaded black belted sweater and a white beaded skirt, a combination with plenty of sparkle, while laying on a stark slab of concrete. “The idea was to play with this beautiful woman, and present her in a very rough, raw, industrial-type environment, to dress her in a very sleek and powerful way, against something unexpected, like cement or concrete,” says company creative director Marc Jacobs in a statement. He also says he’s “thrilled” with the images. Accessories are the cornerstone of the Louis Vuitton brand, so the ad also features the debut of the Manhattan bag in monogram canvas. Previous models for the company include Jennifer Lopez, Scarlet Johansson and Christina Ricci. NEW YORK — Banana Republic is selling the navy cocktail dress that was selected as a winning design on Bravo’s “Project Runway.” The two-piece outfit is an empirewaist tank dress with a capelet. Deborah Lloyd, Banana Republic’s executive vice president of design, says the elegant look and timeless style of the dress made it “a natural fit” with the existing collection. Banana Republic has been a consistent presence on the Heidi Klum-hosted reality TV show, and the winner, who will be chosen in February, will get a mentorship with the company. For each dress sold, Banana Republic will make a contribution to Dress for Success, a nonprofit organization that helps dress low-income women as they enter the work force. Courtesy photo Bridal shower JoAnn Martinez was honored with an angel theme bridal shower given by her paternal aunts and cousins at the beautiful home of Michelle Arce. Her aunts included Patsy Adams and Rosario Arce. Her cousins included Annette Arce, Blanca Arce, Michelle Arce and Missy Garza. Teach children how to give graciously NEW YORK — Many children head into the new year with toy boxes filled to their rims thanks to the generosity of friends and family over the holidays. Those new dolls, cars, trains and games might provide a unique opportunity to teach kids about the pleasure of sharing with others. The book “The Greatest Gift,” part of a series of storybooks featuring furry friends CiCi and Ace, also includes a list of tips to encourage kids to embrace the giving spirit throughout the year. Here are some ideas: —Point out the effects of children’s giving behaviors. Help them realize and notice the positive results of giving. Say something when they share toys, treats or anything else to make them aware of the effect of their giving. For example, “Remember when you shared your snacks on the playground and gave some to Eva? It really made her happy. Did you notice her smile?” —Praise your children’s caring behavior. When you see children engaging in caring, giving behaviors, tell them how proud you are of them. This helps your children know that you value kindness as much as their other achievements. —Teach and practice appreciation when someone gives something to your children. The “magic words” of “please” and “thank you” still hold a lot of power. “Thank you,” in particular, helps teach gratitude. A little note or picture to express their appreciation teaches the importance of acknowledging the nice Mendoza-Gallardo wedding ’Runway’ for charity MR. and MRS. FELIPE MENDOZA JR. Monitor children’s Internet activity By The Associated Press Sunday, January 2, 2005 things that others do. —Set an example of giving. Take dinner to a friend who just had a baby, or give cold drinks to the trash collector in the summertime. By showing kids how good it feels to give, you are emphasizing all the things and you and your children have and how fortunate you all are. This will help them realize the many ways that they can give to others. They’ll catch on and follow your lead. The CiCi and Ace books are written by songwriter and storyteller Rainey and illustrated by Karin Huggens, and they’re produced exclusively for The Children’s Place. NEW YORK (AP) — Cold weather keeps children indoors for long stretches of time, and many youngsters turn to the Internet for entertainment. Stephen Haag, the chair of the department of information technology and electronic commerce at the University of Denver, developed tips for keeping children safe while they’re online: •Don’t deny children access to the Web at home. Stopping kids from going online at home won’t keep them from going online at a friend’s house, the library or somewhere else — and in those places, parents can’t keep a watchful eye. • Surf the Web with the kids at least one hour per week. Ask them what Web sites they go to. This will help parents understand the likes and dislikes of children, and how they use the Internet. •Keep the computer in a central part of the house to reinforce the idea that Web surfing is an activity the whole family can share and enjoy. •Install monitoring software that can restrict what types of Web sites can be visited and keep a daily log of Web activity. Some software also will send e-mails to parents when children try to access a restricted site. •Set time limits, especially for younger children. Treat the Web like TV. •Show children examples of productive surfing by visiting Web sites with educational and intellectual value. •“Spy” on children once a month. It’s a parent’s right to do this, says Haag. It’s possible to view lists of deleted files, temporary files and Web logs. In presence of family and friends Mariceli Gallardo and Felipe Mendoza Jr. were united in marriage Oct. 9, 2004, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Deacon Anastacio Bernal officiated the double-ring ceremony and the nuptial Mass. The bride is the daughter of Rodolfo and Oralia Gallardo. The groom is the son of Felipe and Antonia Mendoza. Amalia Tanguma and Perfecta Mendoza attended the bride as maids-of honor. Best men were Antonio Aguilar and Fernando Martinez. Flower girls were Kathryn Danielle Reyes and Karyn Nicole Reyes. Ringbearer was Jerry Valdez III. A dinner and dance reception followed. Mariceli is employed as a clerk with the United Independent School District. Felipe Jr. is a Texas Department of Transportation inspector. After a honeymoon to Hawaii-Maui the couple is now residing in Laredo.