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Target Corp. and Limited Brands Inc. cut back on lobbying expenditures. (See box below.)

President Obama's signature issues, including health care reform, climate change Elsa Peretti Sevillana bracelet clean energy proposals, and financial regulatory reform all stalled in Congress last year and have been in limbo in the early part of 2010.

Apparel brands, retailers and industry trade groups, opposed to many of the far-reaching policy proposals that would impose tough new regulations on the business community, saw their money spent on lobbying as a great return on investment.

But there were fewer lobbying successes in the trade area, where many Toggle bracelet the industry's trade expansion priorities failed to lead to congressional action under a Democratic-controlled Congress and White House.

The industry's two top retail lobbying groups cited the congressional impasse over the Employee Free Choice Act that would boost unionizing efforts last year as the one, clear-cut lobbying victory of 2009.

Clearly, I think our efforts on EFCA paid out great dividends, said Steve Pfister, senior vice president for government relations at the National Retail Federation, which spent $2 million on lobbying in 2009 compared with $2.1 million in 2008. That was organized labor's top priority. The lobbying efforts by the NRF and the broader business community really stopped EFCA in its tracks.

Some of the pending free trade agreements are a no-brainer from our Paloma Picasso Loving Heart bracelet, but are we even talking about trade anymore?

John Emling, Retail Industry Leaders Association

The AFL-CIO spent $2.26 million in 2009 compared with $1.7 million in 2008 and focused much of its time and resources on EFCA and health care reform.

While it is still unclear whether labor groups and Democratic leaders can strike a Tiffany Charm bracelet this year on the union bill, the prospects of such a measure moving appear slim, particularly in a congressional election year.

Pfister said the success or failure of lobbying efforts hinges on numerous factors and is largely driven by the political climate and agenda of the party in control. He said on issues like interchange fees, hidden fees credit card companies charge merchants every time a consumer purchases a product with their cards, there was a more receptive ear with the Democrats.

Wal-Mart, Target and Limited Brands all highlighted advocacy against EFCA, which called for unions to be allowed to have card-check elections instead of closed ballots, in their government lobbying forms.

John Emling, senior vice president for government affairs for the Retail Industry Tiffany Notes tag bracelet Association, also called the lobbying initiative against EFCA a success but he acknowledged that in other areas such as employer mandates in health care reform legislation, which RILA and the NRF opposed, the business community's advocacy was ignored by Congress.

AG Hair Cosmetics deluxe Colour Savour gift set

Ideeli.com special access online shopping cards

Professional dog studio photography package from Otis & Lucy (Paris Bead bracelet is a fan)

BlueFox Extreme Bluetooth headset

An "Exclusively Scandinavian Gift Basket" from The Scandinavian Company (items from the line can be found in Heidi Klum's closet)

A year's supply of Altoids Smalls

The Pig Board from Snout a Pig

Modern Meditations - Tiffany Cushion Two-row bracelet Goes Zen CD sets

Ila DUSK personal security alarm

iFLY indoor skydiving experience

Eco-friendly certified carbon free SoHo Ultra-Quiet personal shredder from GoECOlife

Herbalife Nutritional Products including Shake Mix and Best Defense immune booster supplement

The Fifth Agreement by don Miguel Ruiz

Assortment of all-natural designer dog toys, bowls and Tiffany 1837 Toggle bracelet from Petprojekt

Wellness WellBites and Pure Rewards all-natural dog snacks from Wellpet

WooLoot waterproof tourmaline sport watches

Fashion-forward costume jewelry from MILLIANNA Jewelry

La Peau Couture Organic Wrinkle Diminishing Serum (priced at $499 per jar)

Slimware portion-control plates (used by body-conscious Frank Gehry Fish toggle bracelet stars such as Rene Russo, Kristin Chenoweth, Emily Procter and Ashlee Simpson)

10 personal training sessions from Huntley Drive Fitness (where previous nominees Melissa Leo and Jason Reitman train)

One week all-inclusive fitness bootcamp from Live In Fitness Enterprise (former Oscar nominee Angela Bassett just finished the Red Carpet Bootcamp Program)

Please note: This particular Gift Bag has no affiliation with A.M.P.A.S., ABC or the Academy Awards and is being independently produced by Distinctive Assets.

SOURCE Distinctive Assets

The retail and fashion industries largely increased their level of spending on lobbying last year, pouring millions of dollars into influencing critical policies on trade, health care, organized retail crime, credit card fees and union organizing.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Sears Holdings Corp., Tiffany & Co., Elsa Peretti Sevillana Mesh bracelet Inc., J.C. Penney Co. and Abercrombie & Fitch all boosted their spending last year on lobbying the Obama administration and Congress, according to the government's recently released lobbying figures.

The event that raises critical funds to support cancer research, exceptional patient care and education. The 2010 Annual Dinner gala will inelude a reception, an elegant dinner, a super silent auction, a raffle sponsored by Tiffany & Co., and an exciting fashion show designed by creative icon Linda Dresner, Charm bracelet is also a breast cancer survivor.

Special tribute will be given to Dr. Gerold Bepler, as the new president and chief executive officer of the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute. Entertainment will be provided by the Bay Area Blues Society.

The Annual Dinner salutes the ongoing work of the dedicated team of physicians, researchers, staff and volunteers who support outstanding patient care and groundbreak ing research at the Karmanos Cancer Institute.

LOS ANGELES, March 2 /PRNewswire/ --The red carpet, the dresses, the bling Tiffany Cushion Toggle bracelet, of course, a statue named Oscar are what bring out the entertainment industry's most talented actors, actresses, directors and film makers each year. While only a select few will go home with the coveted trophy, the rest will be consoled in the most Hollywood of ways: free stuff! Distinctive Assets is once again sending its condolences (and respect) in the form of a bountiful Gift Basket to Oscar nominees who don't win in the major Academy Awards categories of Best Actor/Actress, Best Supporting Actor/Actress and Best Director. This unique consolation prize is currently valued at over $85,000! Here's a sneak peak of what Sandra Bullock, James Cameron, Woody Harrelson, Matt Damon, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jeff Bridges, Helen Mirren, Meryl Streep, Penelope Cruz and Mo'Nique will receive if they leave the Academy Awards empty handed on Sunday night:

Gourmet artisan chocolate creations from Chocolatines by Sweet Endeavours that will Flower charm bracelet the bitter Oscar loss with a 16-piece Contempo Collection, Chocolate-dipped Bacon, Matcha Sesame Bark, Mini Lux Turtles and Diamond Collection Champagne Ganache

Fancy Feast's "Celebrate the Moment" gift package including a FlipCam Mino, Tiffany crystal-studded cat collar and an assortment of Fancy Feast Appetizers for Cats

HGTV Green Home Mattress Collection by Serta

The Oral-B Pulsonic slim & sleek electric toothbrush

$4,000 limited edition (only 125 made) luxury Leather Travel Bag from Elsa Peretti Open Heart bracelet, makers of the Original Swiss Army Knife

Private island vacation at the Turks & Caicos Sporting Club at Ambergris Clay

$45,000 private & exclusive use of an African Safari Lodge from Premier Tours (includes four nights at the luxurious Lion Sands Private Game Reserve in South Africa for up to 8 adults and 8 kids, all meals prepared daily by a private chef, daily private game drives in open safari vehicles and guided nature walks)

$14,500 four-night resort stay in a seaside suite with breakfast in bed at the Monte Carlo Beach Hotel in the Principality of Monaco

DeLea Signature Perfume Oil

A $7,000 three-night all-inclusive rustic getaway to Winvian Luxury Return to Tiffany Heart tag bracelet in the Litchfield Hills of Connecticut (2009 "losing" nominees Ron Howard and Frank Langella redeemed last year)

Our lifestyles have become so easy. Throw and go -- everyone seems to like that," said Lori Malkin, owner of Christine's and Lolo's.

If you want to see these trendy looks in person, your chance to attend two Love Knot bangle shows are just a few days away.

Not only will models showcase the latest looks, but both events are also luncheons that support good causes.

BARC Celebrity Waiters' Luncheon

First up is BARC's annual fashion event, now in its second year. Guests will be entertained by local personalities like Mike Hart from Channel 23 and Alissa Carlson from Channel 17, who will act as "waiters," followed by a fashion show with apparel from Christine's and Lolo's. Decide your plans Tiffany 1837 bangle because table reservations at the DoubleTree Hotel are limited.

The event costs $30 per person and includes a lunch of Caesar salad, ravioli stuffed with asparagus and mushrooms sauteed in olive oil, green beans and a chocolate cake with berries, a fashion show, appreciation gifts and a ticket raffle for the Tiffany & Co. centerpiece prizes.

Because this fun-filled, two-hour event is held at lunchtime during the middle of the week, it may be tricky for people to attend, so BARC suggests making it an office party to show support and join the festivities.

Annual Fashionata Fashion Show and Luncheon

This fashion show would make a perfect Saturday afternoon outing for Elsa Peretti Teardrop bracelet women and their mothers or a group of girlfriends.

Symphony Associates of the Bakersfield Symphony will hold the Annual Fashionata Fashion Show and Luncheon at the DoubleTree Hotel.

The event begins with an open bar social hour at 11 a.m. During that time, Atlas charm bracelet are encouraged to purchase raffle tickets, $10 for 12, and deposit tickets in gift bags for their favorite themed baskets worth $50 and up.

In addition, there will be a chance for guests to take home items priced at more than $250 with the opportunity gift drawing. Tickets cost $10 each and prizes include two season tickets to the Bakersfield Symphony, $250 in cash, a Taste of the Town restaurant package, a fashion shopping spree and a basketful of goodies from Victoria's.

After the social hour, lunch is served at noon: harvest chicken salad, Atlas toggle bracelet rolls with butter, gateau riche for dessert, coffee and tea. When lunch ends, prizes will be given to raffle ticket winners and the fashions from Pappagallo, Sugardaddy's, Victoria's and Pour Je will be modeled by a mix of professionals and members of the Symphony Associates.

Tickets for the event are $35 per person or $350 for a table of 10. The deadline to purchase tickets is Wednesday.

Topnotch professionals and students will get the chance to win cash and prizes totaling $2,500 and a spot on the cover of Cutz Hair magazine during the Mid-South Beauty and Barbershop Bash Student and Professional Competition at the Marriott East, Thousand Oaks location on Sunday, Tiffany 1837 interlocking circles bangle at 6 p.m.

Up-and-coming event coordinator and promoter Tiffany Gary, aka Tiffany G., is the bash generator. Gary is a local nail technician whose Memphis roots breathe a passion for the beauty industry.

Early on, Gary learned the value of hard work and determination, working as a shampooing girl in her mother's beauty shop. Today, she is driven twin desires: to see Memphis grow and to give beauticians and barbers an outlet to express themselves while having fun. Thus The Mid-South Beauty and Tiffany & Co. bangle Bash was born.

"This is my baby," said Gary. "I'm very proud of this showcase. Basically it is an outlet for local business owners and salons to show their style. It's a showcase and a competition this time, so everybody's not competing against each other."

Professionals, students and even those aspiring to make a name for themselves in hair have a legitimate shot at winning prizes and making it to the cover of Cutz Hair magazine.

Cutz Hair - a new publication - takes a local approach to stylistic trends, haircuts, Tiffany Somerset cuff and culture, focusing primarily in the tri-state area.

Various sponsors in food, drink and multimedia are playing parts in making the competition possible, including Nuvo - the world's first sparkling liquor, Spikner Embroidery and Screen Printing on Madison Avenue, and the Tri-State Defender.

After the event, the bash is not over. Winners and VIPs will be at the Zodiac Lounge Elsa Peretti Open Heart bangle Mt. Moriah from 10 p.m. - until. You too can party like a hair star for $5 with a ticket stub from the showcase.

Seasonal transitions can bring frantic thoughts to fashionistas who look in their closet and utter, "I have nothing to wear."

Well lucky for the budget-conscious among us (and who isn't?), some of last season's looks are still in, and to update your wardrobe, all you have to do is add accessories. A belt, a multi-stone cuff or pastel pearl necklaces should do the trick.

Still confused? Don't have time to flip through the pages of Vogue? A few local women's boutiques share this season's hottest trends.

Individual style is personal, but the shops agreed on some staple pieces Two Hearts triple bangle should be in everyone's closets, no matter your age or size. The looks that anyone can wear include dark leggings, bright colors -- yellow, orange and turquoise -- beaded accessories, tops with a sprinkle of sequins and a more classic-structured feminine style.