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This season, green is the new black. Los Angeles-based nonprofit, the Green Youth Movement (GYM) will be tiffany THE GREEN INITIATIVE: A Humanitarian Fashion Show at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 20, 2010 at Sunset Gower Studios in Hollywood, California. As part of Los Angeles Fashion Week, this highly anticipated event aims to celebrate sustainable living by showcasing collections from eco-friendly designers. THE GREEN INITIATIVE is positioned to prove that fashion and sustainability can go hand-in-hand, and that eco-conscious alternatives can be just as "haute" on the runway.

Produced by The Gallery Los Angeles, THE GREEN INITIATIVE will feature collections from sustainable designers such as Emily Factor, Lizzie Parker and others. All designs are made in the United States, utilize sustainable materials and are responsibly produced - just the kind of environmentally sound solution that the Green Youth Movement advocates in its mission to promote sustainable living and green education amongst the younger generation.

"THE GREEN INITIATIVE is an opportunity to communicate the importance of living sustainably to the next generation of consuming adults," says 17-year-old Ally Maize, Los Angeles' resident "green teen" and founder of the Green Youth Movement. "We want people to reduce, reuse, recycle and rethink the choices they make cufflinks day in every aspect of their lives, including fashion."

Proceeds from THE GREEN INITIATIVE will go to the Green Youth Movement's conservation and reforestation initiatives, notably a tree-planting project in the Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area to offset the fashion show's carbon footprint.

THE GREEN INITIATIVE will also give guests a sneak peek of GYM's Green Cinderella Project, an effort to earrings teens to recycle prom dresses by donating them to less fortunate students.

"Fashion is such a big part of youth culture and serves as an ideal means of raising global awareness of sustainable living," adds Ally. "We hope THE GREEN INITIATIVE gets people excited about being green and making environmentally-conscious lifestyle choices."

DHL, the world's leading logistics company, returns for its fourth year as an Official Sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion tiffanys, February 11-18 in Bryant Park, New York City. With new enhanced capabilities for delivering the latest fashion and apparel worldwide, DHL's services cover the entire fashion logistics supply chain. As part of this season's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, DHL will be hosting a customer workshop, entitled, "Moving Fashion in Style" which will highlight some of the key success factors and future challenges for fashion and apparel companies when sourcing, manufacturing and distributing goods.

With DHL's logistics leadership position in the world's leading fashion marketplaces, such as Asia, Europe and Central and South America, DHL's workshop will focus on how globally expanding brands, within the fashion and apparel sector, can more effectively navigate the challenges across their global supply chains. DHL will share its knowledge and expertise of China's Customs processes as well as regulatory and compliance issues across Asia Pacific while also inviting several industry expert guest speakers who will provide the latest overview on this sector.

"DHL's unmatched worldwide network and ability to provide enhanced solutions demonstrates that we are the provider of choice to deliver value and cost savings from the product purchasing point to the consumption of final products," said Ole Ringheim Senior Vice President Global Fashion Logistics. "Whether it is delivering time sensitive samples or the movement of full containers of a couture collection, we have the solutions driven expertise that this industry demands. Feedback shows that customers are asking us to demonstrate an even stronger commitment to the bangles and apparel industry and we are stepping up to meet this challenge."

Fashion is an extremely time sensitive business, and now more than ever the choice for a transportation and logistics provider plays a vital role in meeting the industry's requirements for cost efficiency and timeliness in this $250 billion global industry.

DHL's large investments in Fashion Centers of Excellence in Hong Kong and several other Asian locations prove its commitment to providing innovative solutions to customers through a growing team of industry experts. DHL's superior understanding of business practices in developing markets like Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Vietnam reinforces its ability to meet customers' dynamic needs in a highly competitive market. DHL operates three flights daily between the U.S. and points in Asia, connecting U.S. shippers with key Asian markets through DHL's Incheon Gateway, DHL's Central Asia Hub in Hong Kong, and through DHL's North Asia Hub at the Shanghai Pudong International Airport

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York is presented annually in the Tents at Bryant Park in New York City. The invitation-only rings, which runs this season from February 11-18, provides designers' Fall Fashion Collections to the national and international media, and industry insiders.

The New York sponsorship is part of an expanded relationship with DHL as the Official Logistics Partner for IMG's Fashion Weeks around the world announced in 2008. DHL also sponsors fashion events in Milan, London, Mexico City, Moscow, Mumbai, Toronto, Istanbul, Miami and Sydney.

DHL - The Logistics company for the world

DHL is the global market leader in the logistics industry and "The Logistics company for the world". DHL commits its expertise in international express, air and ocean freight, road and rail transportation, contract logistics and international mail services to its customers. A global network composed of more than 220 countries and territories and bracelets 300,000 employees worldwide offers customers superior service quality and local knowledge to satisfy their supply chain requirements. DHL accepts its social responsibility by supporting climate protection, disaster management and education.

DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL. The Group generated revenue of more than 54 billion euros in 2008.

Spring is the most highly anticipated fashion season in Hawaii because many of the Tiffany Cuff Links on and off the runways can actually work in our climate, as opposed to fall's wool, leather and fur.

Spring 2010 is shaping up to be an especially exciting fashion season, with bold color, shapely silhouettes and statement accessories leading the way.

More good news: Designers seem to be sensitive to the economy and what it's doing to our shopping libidos, so you may be surprised by lowered prices in unexpected places.

Here are the spring trends four of our Fashion Forum members embraced to take a trip through the looking glass, with a nod to Alice in Wonderland and the highly anticipated spring Tim Burton/Johnny Depp movie.

AUDREY HOO

Profession: Behavior specialist

Neighborhood: Kahala

Trend: Schoolgirl chic

Why: "It's a playful, fun look. I never went to private school so I didn't have a chance to get Tiffany Key Rings of plaid."

What it cost: The dress: $189 from BCBG MaxAzria.

Accessorized with: Necklace from Maxi Waikiki, tights from Wolford, shoes from Max Studio and ring custom made by Alex Okada.

How else will you wear it: With bobby socks and loafers or ballet flats -- and without pigtails.

What's a no-no with this trend: "Don't go too juvenile; keep it edgy ... if you're an adult, that is."

SIERRA DEW

Profession: Fashion and jewelry designer

Neighborhood: Kane'ohe

Trend: Alice in Wonderland

Inspired by: The upcoming movie. She is also inspired by the modern housewife who is into gardening, sewing and DIY.

What it cost: The dress: $45 and apron: $20, from Catherine's Closet.

Accessorized with: Betsey Johnson butterfly pumps, ring of her own design, necklace fashioned from an old piece of tile.

Why: "I love Scandinavian textiles and contemporary American folk blended together. It's a cultural mix that's happening now."

AMANDA STEVENS

Profession: Freelance writer, owner of Dream On Consulting

Neighborhood: Kaimuki

Trend: Turquoise

Why: "I like what it represents: hope, renewal, a fresh start to the year."

Who inspired the look: Katie Holmes

What a key piece cost: Silk blouse by Banana Republic, purchased at Pzazz Consignment ($22).

Accessorized with: Macy's I.N.C. pants, Nine West boots, bracelet and earrings by Art on a Wing (her mom's jewelry line) and a jacket she found in New York.

How else will you wear it: "With jeans for biz casual."

Style note: "I think it is important to convey the right professional image Frank Gehry doing business while keeping my look updated and remaining true to my eclectic personal style. I like to make unexpected choices, mixing bright colors and edgy prints with the classic business staple, a black pantsuit."

KYLE KAGAMIDA

Profession: Sales associate, Michael Kors

Neighborhood: Pearl City

Trend: Sunglasses

Why: "Accessories can make or break an outfit, and choosing the right pair of sunglasses can really update a look."

Why aviators? "Those of us with Asian faces sometimes shy away from aviators, but they can work with adjustable nose pieces and smaller lenses."

Inspired by: Brad Pitt

What they cost: $90 to $235. On Kyle: Aviators by Mosley Tribes (Sunglass Icon). On his bag: left to right: The first four are from Michael Kors, then Oakleys (Sunglass Icon) and Wayfarers (Sunglass Hut).

What's a no-no: "It bugs me when people wear sunglasses indoors. If Elsa Peretti not a celebrity, take 'em off."

Reach Paula Rath at paularath@aol.com.

The tabular content relating to this article is not available to view. Apologies in advance for the inconvenience caused.

At the end of last year, just as most fashion designers were beginning to tilt their imaginations Tiffany Notes the autumn/winter women's wear shows, that begin next week in New York, and most consumers were mulling over which fashion items to put on their Christmas lists, I was at a conference in Copenhagen, thinking about something very different indeed.

And no, it wasn't the big, laden-with-hope-but-frustrated-in-the-end United Nations climate change conference that took place in the city at that time. Rather, it was what fashion people might call an accessory to that conference. A sustainable fashion conference. You can laugh now. Everyone I told at the time did. Not just because I am not a particularly "green" type - though I compost and recycle - but because of the subject itself.

"Sustainable fashion?" friends and colleagues would chortle. "What's that?"

Good question. And here's the truth: having spent two days in Copenhagen immersed in the concept, having thought about it over the weeks since then, and having canvassed a wide variety of fashion figures, I can honestly answer ... no one knows. And the more you try to figure it out, the more confusing it becomes.

Consider the following responses to the same, straightforward, question: "How would you define sustainable fashion?"

Frida Giannini, Gucci creative director: "Quality items that stand the test of time - it is this concept of sustainability, symbolised by a timeless handbag that you wear again and again, and can pass on, that I am always thinking of when I design."

Oscar de la Renta, designer, brand founder: "Sustainable fashion implies a commitment to the traditional techniques, and not just the art, of making clothes. I work today in the same way that I first learnt in the ateliers of Balenciaga and Lanvin 50 years ago. We need to ensure that the next generation of seamstresses and tailors Tiffany Keys the skills necessary to develop clothes that are not only beautiful but extremely well made."

Anya Hindmarch, designer, brand founder, and initiator of the "I am not a plastic bag" initiative: "I would define the ideal as locally sourced materials that don't pollute in their creation or demise (preferably recycled) and with limited transportation to achieve the completed product."

And, lastly, designer and brand founder Dries van Noten: "Most of what we may currently refer to as sustainable fashion is a contradiction in terms. It refers to how the fabric used for a new garment has been produced ... Yet, I believe, we need to consider this issue from a more macro and profound perspective. Though a cotton may be unbleached, we need to examine how it arrives to the manufacturer or to us the wearer. What was the 'carbon imprint' of its delivery, for example?"

Not all the same, then.

. . .

This is a problem, because words such as "sustainability", "green", "eco", "organic", and "ethical" are discount tiffany a part of the fashion conversation. Last month the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development in Geneva hosted an EcoChic fair, featuring a "sustainable fashion show" in which well-known designers created garments out of natural fibres manufactured in the "most sustainable way". At London Fashion Week this month, an exhibit called Estethica will be devoted to "eco sustainable fashion". Next month, the Fashion Institute of Technology joins forces with the University of Delaware and the Parsons design school to mount a sustainable fashion exhibit, tentatively titled "Passion for Sustainable Fashion", which will feature student-created clothes designed and made in an ethically-sourced and eco-friendly manner. Meanwhile, ahead of the film awards season, Oscar-nominated actor Colin Firth's wife Livia has said she will wear only "ethical fashion" on the red carpet.

And yet not one of the above institutions or people has really specified what they mean by combining those two words. Indeed, while the London College of Fashion defines "sustainable" as "harnessing resources ethically and responsibly without destroying social and ecological balance", it does not go so far as to pin down how that might evolve when attached to the word "fashion".

This lexicographical fuzziness is not a problem unique to the style world - by which I mean the world of high-end fashion, the glossy, global brands that capture the imagination and position themselves as leaders, in every sense of the world. (High street fashion, with its worn today/tossed tomorrow ethos, brings up entirely different issues when it comes to sustainability.) The UN itself doesn't have an agreed definition of "sustainability". The food industry has for years been wrestling with the slippery nature of terms such as "lite", "organic", and "grain-fed".

Indeed, it's the widespread interest in these words elsewhere that has brought the issue to the forefront in Tiffany Bangles. The industry's great talent is, after all, tapping into the Zeitgeist.

As well as ethics, the question of sustainability is one of economics. Mintel, the international market research company, notes: "As consumers demand more from the companies they do business with, they'll want ... more scrutiny on ethical claims than ever before."

As a brand then, it's not enough to attach a word to your actions - you have to understand specifically what you mean by that word, and be able to prove it. A fashion brand may say it is "eco" but, in the mind of the consumer, this means something entirely different to what the brand itself intends. And that way lies not consumption and balance sheet growth, but confusion.

I have plenty of first-hand experience of this. As the FT's fashion editor, rarely a day goes by when I don't get an e-mail about a new product attaching one of these green terms to its pitch: "It's an eco-friendly baby carrier!"; "it's a recyclable shoe!"; "it's made of pre-organic cotton". Generally, I read these with certain assumptions: for example, that "recyclable" means you can toss said item in the bin with your bottles; "pre-organic" means fabricated from some sort of absolutely untouched natural material.

But further investigation reveals that pre-organic cotton is, in fact, cotton from a farm that is on the way to being organic, so it's not organic at all. The shoe that claimed to be recyclable was, in fact, only theoretically recyclable because, though it was plastic, not all recycling authorities accept shoes. This creates a situation in which I am filled with distrust and doubt, not just about these products but about all such products and all similar claims.

However complicated the explanation, there needs to be a shorthand method of communicating specific Tiffany Bracelets. If the car industry managed to do it (hybrid, anyone?), so can fashion. Some sort of public lexicon has to be created.

I am not the only one who thinks so. The blogger Fashionista-at-law, writing last December, asked: "Is Fashionista acting sustainably if she buys organic or fair trade clothes and what exactly are 'ethical' clothes? Fashionista would love to see those terms on labels so that she no longer has to spend her time researching a brand that claims to be ethical, green, organic, before facing the tricky question as to whether it is more 'green' to order the item of desire online or to check for its availability in a shop close by."

Christian Kemp-Griffin is chief mission officer for Edun, the sustainable fashion brand created in 2005 by Ali Hewson and her husband Bono, the lead singer of U2. At the Copenhagen conference, Kemp-Griffin told me: "The problem is there is no cohesion in this space. We're all just doing what we can but, because there's no official anything, no one knows the answer."

When Edun first launched, the brand identified its mission as driving "sustainable employment" in Africa - not anything to do with the earth. But, four years later, it has expanded its definition; specifically, Kemp-Griffin said at the conference: "We found it was very important for us to know what was happening with the source of our Tiffany Pendants ... not just the manufacturing, but with the farmers."

Nicole and Michael Colovos, creative directors of Helmut Lang, have taken account of this evolution too. "We believe sustainable fashion is clothing that continues to be relevant - that can be worn for years," they say. "It is the opposite of disposable fashion. It is about quality of fabric and construction, intelligence of design, and the ability of a concept to withstand the test of time." However, they say, it now also "extends to working with factories and mills that work in an ethical environment with regards to the employees and the environment".

So how come fashion didn't start at the beginning, and pin down a succinct and broad language of sustainability? The answer is partly because, for a long time, though fashion brands sensed they needed to engage with the questions on some level (just in case), they didn't really want to explain what they were doing. Their tentative forays into combining luxury and environmentalism were more defensive than offensive. Why? Because an industry predicated not on need but desire is one that is often associated with indulgence and excess. To add a moral dimension is to invite charges of hypocrisy.

Case in point: two years ago, the World Wide Fund for Nature published a report called "Deeper Luxury", seeking to grade the 10 biggest publicly listed luxury brands in 50 different eco and ethical categories; none got higher than a C+.

One of those brands was the jewellery house Tiffany, which had, since the jewellery industry was caught up in the blood diamond scandals of the 1990s, been fairly active in the ethical and environmental arena. Despite this, Tiffany was given a D+, primarily because of a lack of communication about its efforts. I asked Tiffany chief Michael Kowalski why this was the case. He explained that for a big glitzy brand to claim any kind of "green" credentials was to open itself to attack for what it didn't do. It was safer, he reckoned, to simply fly under the radar and go quietly about its business.

There are exceptions, of course - smaller, niche collections, such as Commun and Noir, whose mission statements have included sustainable or organic sourcing from the beginning. But even they are more concerned with selling themselves on the strength of great design rather than depending on the value of, well, values, to move product.

And that doesn't even get into the complications of fabric creation and the point that some synthetic fabrics are "cleaner" to create than some organic ones, though most people assume that natural is always better (see Prince Charles's recent campaign for wool over polyester).

No wonder fashion has so far taken an approach best summed up as: we are doing what we can but we don't talk about it unless asked. In one way this is good (we should all take individual responsibility for our own efforts) but at the same time it has meant there has been no public discussion about the questions, and so no consensus built about meaning. Everyone has done their own thing, and used words their own way. And now that we need a common tongue, it doesn't exist.

Thus, one of the aims of the Copenhagen conference was to resolve, or at least expose, the problem; to get the industry to admit it has a problem in the hope that this may be the first step towards fixing it.

Because, in fashion, green is not the new black, not just another trend to come in and go out with the Tiffany Earrings. Rather, we are in the middle of a paradigm shift, and such shifts, whether political (Glasnost) or technological (the internet) demand their own language: not he said, she said, but we said.

Vanessa Friedman is the FT's fashion editor

Additional research by Lottie Young

Many who view the Facebook profile picture of Oklahoma State basketball player Obi tiffany necklaces will assume he is -- and you hate to use this word -- goofy.

"Goofy is the right word," an un-offended Muonelo said. "That's me. I'm really goofy."

The story behind the photo:

Muonelo, decked out in Clark Kent glasses, a bow tie and a jacket with a fur-lined collar, visited Walmart and asked to borrow one of the store's motorized scooters. He said he would not have asked for a scooter if the store was busy because he wouldn't want someone with a disability to be minus transportation.

A friend couldn't resist snapping pictures as Muonelo cruised the aisles. And Muonelo loved one of the photos so much that he made it his primary Facebook image.

People who know Muonelo weren't shocked. Typical response: That's just Obi being Obi.

Coach Travis Ford used the word "eccentric" to describe his only senior.

"If you didn't know him as well as we do, you may not take him as serious," Ford said. "But tiffany accessories it comes to basketball, there is no doubt that it's a very serious deal."

Ford said he would never question Muonelo's work ethic or desire to play well.

How's this for a serious body of work: If Muonelo can salvage two assists and three steals in a Wednesday game at Iowa State, he'll join Byron Houston, Chianti Roberts, Adrian Peterson and Randy Rutherford as the only Cowboys to collect career totals of at least 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 200 assists and 100 steals.

Muonelo enters the must-win-to-keep-NCAA-hopes-alive game as the 19th-leading scorer in school history, but has any Cowboy accumulated more style points?

Muonelo, who mans the four position despite being only 6-foot-5, is a PF -- power fashionista. The gear he wore to Walmart is standard fare.

"He loves clothes," Ford said. "Obi is getting

dressed

every day for class. He's going to look right. And it may not look right for a lot of other people, but he has a style that he is going for every morning where most of these guys are throwing on the sweats that we have given them and the same sweats they have worn the last 10 days. Not Obi."

Muonelo entered the locker room recently wearing yellow rain boots and what might be described as an Elmer Fudd hat. Muonelo said he doesn't crave attention. He's just unleashing his personality.

"Some of the stuff he throws together is funny, but nobody else could pull it off except him," tiffany keys James Anderson said. "Some of the stuff he wears, I wouldn't dare wear."

Muonelo -- who counts "Project Runway" among his favorite TV shows and who celebrated his 21st birthday by throwing a black tie party attended by Baylor's Epke Udoh and Kansas' Xavier Henry -- said he has always loved fashion.

Always? Muonelo used to get irritated at his mom because she didn't "switch it up" enough when dressing him for grade school. He said he was a chubby kid then, but nobody made fun of him because he excelled at hoops.

Former high school teammate Andy Shaw, an OSU student assistant who has known Muonelo since the fifth grade, said, "There were times where he wouldn't want to take his shirt off if we were going shirts and skins in practice.... It's kind of funny because now he's obviously got a great body."

Muonelo treats himself like a paper doll, mixing and matching apparel from a closet that he says is "ridiculous."

Said roommate Keiton Page, "I have been sitting on the couch around midnight and he comes out and shows me what he is going to wear the next day and wants me to take pictures of it. We have had little photo shoots in the apartment of him thinking he is Mr. Fashion."

Muonelo, who wants to design a clothing line, changed his major so he could pursue a career in fashion. He said he is not a shopaholic.

"I'm more into remaking clothes I already have and stitching them and putting new things on them and I'm also into making my own clothes instead of shopping for them because it's just a lot of fun when you make something." he said.

"Like recently, I made a real nice scarf that I like. When you put it on, you appreciate it so much more than something you bought at a store."

Muonelo said he just started learning how to sew, with help from Union grad and OSU track and field athlete Julie Rader. The Big 12's second-best 3-point marksman doesn't mind talking about his off-the-court passions because he's comfortable in his own skin, never mind what he's wearing over it.

"He's a unique individual, that's for sure," Shaw said. "I love him for how he is. He has always been the same way. He doesn't change who he is for other people and that's a good trait to have."

Muonelo's worst nightmare? He doesn't want to be all dressed up with nowhere to go when March Madness arrives.

"We want to go to the Big Dance dressed up, definitely," Muonelo said. "I won't have tiffany notes less with this being my senior year. These (remaining) games, I think you will really see me take off because I'm not having it, not going to the tournament my senior year."

Muonelo's magic

A statistical look at Obi Muonelo's OSU career:

PTS/G 3PT% REB/G

'06-'07 10.1 34% 3.6

'07-'08 9.8 34% 3.3

'08-'09 12.7 40% 7.2

'09-10 12.7 44% 5.4

OSU's Anderson is a finalist for player of year

Oklahoma State junior James Anderson, who leads the Big 12 and ranks fifth nationally in scoring, is among 16 finalists for the oscar robertson Trophy, presented by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association to the national player of the year.

Anderson averages 22.6 points per game and owns the second-best career scoring average (17.59 ppg) in OSU history.

Three other Big 12 players -- Texas' Damion James and Kansas' Sherron Collins and Cole Aldrich -- also are among the finalists, along with former OU-signee Scottie Reynolds of Villanova.

Balloting for the Oscar Robertson Trophy will begin march 1 and the presentation of the award will take place April 2 in Indianapolis.

Oscar Robertson Award Finalists

Cole Aldrich, F, Kansas (6-11, 245, Jr., Bloomington, Minn.)

James Anderson, G, Oklahoma State (6-6, 210, Jr., Junction City, Ark.)

Sherron Collins, G, Kansas (5-11, 205, Sr., Chicago, Ill.)

DeMarcus Cousins, F, Kentucky (6-11, 260, Fr., Mobile, Ala.)

Devan Downey, G, South Carolina (5-9, 170, Sr., Chester, S.C.)

Jimmer Fredette, G, BYU (6-2, 195, Jr., Glens Falls, N.Y.)

Luke Harangody, F, Notre Dame (6-8, 246, Sr., Schererville, Ind.)

Robbie Hummel, F, Purdue (6-8, 208, Jr., Valparaiso, Ind.)

Damion James, G/F, Texas (6-7, 225, Sr., Nacogdoches, Texas)

Wesley Johnson, F, Syracuse (6-7, 205, Jr., Corsicana, Texas)

Dominique Jones, G, South Florida (6-4, 215, Jr., Lake Wales, Fla.)

Greg Monroe, C, Georgetown (6-11, 247, So., New Orleans, La.)

Scottie Reynolds, G, Villanova (6-2, 190, Se., Herndon, Va.)

Jon Scheyer, G, Duke (6-5, 190, Sr., Northbrook, Ill.)

Evan Turner, G/F, Ohio State (6-7, 205, So., Chicago, Ill.)

John Wall, G, Kentucky (6-4, 195, Fr., Raleigh, N.C.)

Jimmie Tramel 581-8389 jimmie.tramel@tulsaworld.com

Bluefly (NASDAQ Capital Market: BFLY) the leading online luxury fashion retailer and tiffany pendants.com, the online home of the authoritative fashion industry publication WWD, have teamed up via a marketing partnership to deliver exclusive viral web videos via Bluefly.com. Launching February 17th, the three-part video series will highlight the season's most coveted trends straight off the Fall 2010 runways in New York, Milan, and Paris. WWD Merchandising Expert, Kristen Wildman will track the trends exclusively for Bluefly live from the shows. "This is the first time WWD has partnered with a retailer in this way," Publisher Christine Guilfoyle explained, "and I am thrilled to be a part of such an exciting collaboration."

Bluefly CEO Melissa Payner says: "Our customers are obsessed with translating the most important catwalk trends for their own closets. With this partnership, we're delighted to present them with expert tips on the looks that matter most."

Along with the videos, viewers will also have the opportunity to access real-time commentary from Bluefly Style Experts who will be tweeting live from the tents at New York's Bryant Park at Twitter.com/bluefly_com. Bluefly Style Experts will also post Facebook-exclusive images and cover the shows on Bluefly's blog FlyPaper. "With social media connecting us all, Fashion Week is no longer an event that only insiders can access," Melissa Payner observes. "We're happy to be working with WWD in giving the global online community this exclusive access."

About Bluefly, Inc.:

Founded in 1998, Bluefly Inc. (NASDAQ Capital Market: BFLY) is a leading online retailer of tiffany earrings brands, fashion trends and superior value. Bluefly is headquartered at 42 West 39th St. in New York City, in the heart of the Fashion District. For more information, please visit http://www.bluefly.com/.

About Women's Wear Daily (WWD):

Often called "the fashion bible," Women's Wear Daily serves as the voice of authority, international newswire and agent of change for the fashion, beauty and retail industries. First and foremost, WWD is dedicated to providing a balance of timely, credible business news and key women's fashion trends to a dedicated readership. This readership includes retailers, designers, manufacturers, marketers, financiers, Wall Street analysts, international moguls, media executives, ad agencies, socialites and trend makers. As the marketplace has become more complex, the need for information and competitive intelligence has become more acute. The common thread of our community is the business of style and fashion.

NEW YORK, Feb. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- DailyCandy, the free e-mail and website delivering the inside scoop on all things fashion, food and fun, announced today the return of its Fashion Week Dossier, the one-stop shop for what's happening in and outside the tents starting February 10, through February 18, silver rings. With eight to ten posts per day, right from the runway, DailyCandy editors will be reporting on the fashion industry's latest news, happenings, and gossip, and will include special features like interviews with designers, fashion obsessions, DIY projects, and fashion predictions from industry insiders.

"DailyCandy has always brought our audience closer to fashion, an industry that can seem exclusive and out of reach to most," says Jasmine Moir, senior editor at DailyCandy. "The DailyCandy Dossier will take its readers straight to the front row with frequent updates on all-things Fashion Week served up in the fun, upbeat, and pithy DailyCandy way."

DailyCandy Dossier readers will also get the chance to win daily fashion giveaways by answering puzzles and riddles. To follow DailyCandy editors on their Fashion Week beat, visit dailycandy.com/dossier.

DailyCandy, a free daily e-mail newsletter and website distributing 3 million subscriptions daily, is the insider's guide to what's hot, new, and undiscovered -- from fashion and restaurant news to gadgets and travel. DailyCandy publishes 28 editions via e-mail, including 12 local editions covering New York, Los tiffany accessories, Chicago, San Francisco, Boston, Dallas, London, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Philadelphia, Miami, Seattle; one national edition (Everywhere) featuring online picks; and 16 weekly editions comprising 12 local Kids editions (published Mondays); 2 national Kids editions (Tuesdays and Thursdays); DailyCandy Travel (Wednesdays); and DailyCandy Deals (Tuesdays), which features special sales and promotions exclusively for DailyCandy subscribers. ShopTalk delivers great gift ideas online and in e-tiffany bracelet every Tuesday to the NYC, L.A., and Everywhere editions. Swirl, Sample Sales by DailyCandy (swirl.com) features hand-picked apparel and accessories from the up-and-comers and brands we love at up to 80 percent off. DailyCandy is a unit of Comcast Interactive Media.

SOURCE DailyCandy

2010 FEB 10 - (<http://www.newsrx.com> NewsRx.com) -- 5W Public Relations (http://www.5wpr.com/) , one of the 25 largest PR firms (http://www.5wpr.net/) in the U.S., announced the addition of Philip Stein (http://www.philipstein.com/) watches to its versatile roster of fashion and lifestyle clients. Launched in 2002, the luxury watch company has quickly grown to be a leader in watches and other lifestyle products using proprietary natural frequency technology (see also <http://www.newsrx.com/library/topics/5W-silver key rings-Relations.html> 5W Public Relations).

"Philip Stein is at the forefront of bringing fashion to the health and wellness sphere and we are thrilled to have been selected as their PR agency of record. These watches make people look, and feel good and we look forward to continuing to build the brand," said Ronn Torossian (http://www.ronntorossian.com/), President and CEO of 5W Public Relations (http://5wpr.net/).

The brand's natural frequency technology is duly noted to help an overwhelming amount of consumers sleep better, focus better due to less stress and maintain a general healthier well-being by coordinating with their body's natural energy flow. This technology has caught the eye of celebrities and executives across the board, with Oprah saying it is "one of her favorite things" twice, Madonna, Rupert Murdoch, Jessica Alba, Samuel L. Jackson, Jason Alexander and a variety of others following suit.

ABOUT 5W PUBLIC RELATIONS (http://www.5wpr.com/)

5W Public Relations (www.5wpr.com) is a full-service public relations firm (http://silver necklaces.5wpr.com/) known for implementing cutting-edge, customized media programs designed to impact our clients' specific business goals and objectives. 5WPR's energetic, fast-paced, and focused culture earned the firm a spot on the INC. 500 list and the title of "fastest-growing PR agency" three years in a row. One of the 25 largest PR firms (http://5wpr.net/) in the U.S., the agency maintains practice areas in consumer, technology, health and wellness, entertainment, lifestyle, fashion, and corporate communications. Our growth and recognition stem from a focused, smart, and creative staff that expertly communicates client messages to impact ROI. Our committed team has the understanding and ability to harness the newest tools in a rapidly changing media landscape. This 24/7 approach to the media led the industry's foremost trade magazine to describe 5WPR as "aggressive in a way that clearly resonates with clients looking for a PR firm staffed with type A-plus personalities, a BS-free approach, and results from Day One."

Keywords: 5W Public Relations, Advertising, Entertainment, Marketing, Technology, Wellness.

This article was prepared by Fitness & Wellness Business Week editors from staff and silver pendants reports. Copyright 2010, Fitness & Wellness Business Week via <http://www.newsrx.com> NewsRx.com.

Retailer Saks Incorporated (NYSE: SKS) (the "Company") today announced that owned sales totaled $200.5 million for the four weeks ended August 30, 2008 compared to $213.5 million for the four weeks ended September 1, 2007, a 6.1% decrease. Comparable store sales decreased 5.9% for the period. tiffany cufflinks store sales increased 18.2% in fiscal August 2007.

On a year-to-date basis, for the seven months ended August 30, 2008, owned sales totaled $1,718.4 million compared to $1,687.2 million for the prior year seven-month period ended September 1, 2007, a 1.8% increase. Comparable store sales increased 1.6% for the seven-month period.

For August, the strongest categories at Saks Fifth Avenue were fashion jewelry, fragrances, men's sportswear, and men's shoes. The weakest categories at Saks Fifth Avenue for August were women's apparel, women's shoes, and intimate apparel.

Saks Incorporated currently operates Saks Fifth Avenue, which consists of 53 Saks Fifth Avenue stores, 48 Saks Off 5th stores, and saks.com. The Company also operates Club Libby Lu specialty stores.

Forward-looking Information

The information contained in this press release that addresses future results or expectations is considered "forward-looking" information within the definition of the Federal securities laws. Forward-looking information in this document can be identified through the use of words such as "may," "will," "intend," "plan," "tiffany pendants," "expect," "anticipate," "should," "would," "believe," "estimate," "contemplate," "possible," and "point." The forward-looking information is premised on many factors, some of which are outlined below. Actual consolidated results might differ materially from projected forward-looking information if there are any material changes in management's assumptions.

The forward-looking information and statements are or may be based on a series of projections and estimates and involve risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include such factors as: the level of consumer spending for apparel and other merchandise carried by the Company and its ability to respond quickly to consumer trends; adequate and stable sources of merchandise; the competitive pricing environment within the retail sector; the effectiveness of planned advertising, marketing, and promotional campaigns; favorable customer response to relationship marketing efforts of proprietary credit card loyalty programs; appropriate inventory management; effective expense control; successful operation of the Company's proprietary credit card strategic alliance with HSBC Bank Nevada, N.A.; geo-political risks; changes in interest rates; and fluctuations in foreign currency and exchange rates. For additional information regarding these and other risk factors, please refer to the Company's filings with the SEC, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2008, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and its Current Reports on Form 8-K, which may be accessed via EDGAR through the Internet at www.sec.gov.

Management undertakes no obligation to correct or update any forward-looking statements, tiffany earrings as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Persons are advised, however, to consult any further disclosures management makes on related subjects in its reports filed with the SEC and in its press releases.

On a year-to-date basis, for the seven months ended August 30, 2008, owned sales tiffany bracelets $1,718.4 million compared to $1,687.2 million for the prior year seven-month period ended September 1, 2007, a 1.8% increase. Comparable store sales increased 1.6% for the seven-month period.

For August, the strongest categories at Saks Fifth Avenue were fashion jewelry, fragrances, men's sportswear, and men's shoes. The weakest categories at Saks Fifth Avenue for August were women's apparel, women's shoes, and intimate apparel.

Saks Incorporated currently operates Saks Fifth Avenue, which consists of 53 Saks Fifth Avenue stores, 48 Saks Off 5th stores, and saks.com. The Company also operates Club Libby Lu specialty stores.

Forward-looking Information

The information contained in this press release that addresses future results or expectations is tiffany rings "forward-looking" information within the definition of the Federal securities laws. Forward-looking information in this document can be identified through the use of words such as "may," "will," "intend," "plan," "project," "expect," "anticipate," "should," "would," "believe," "estimate," "contemplate," "possible," and "point." The forward-looking information is premised on many factors, some of which are outlined below. Actual consolidated results might differ materially from projected forward-looking information if there are any material changes in management's assumptions.

The forward-looking information and statements are or may be based on a series of projections and estimates and involve risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include such factors as: the level of consumer spending for apparel and other merchandise carried by the Company and its ability to respond quickly to consumer trends; adequate and stable sources of merchandise; the competitive pricing environment within the retail sector; the effectiveness of planned advertising, marketing, and promotional campaigns; favorable customer response to relationship marketing efforts of proprietary credit card loyalty programs; appropriate inventory management; effective expense control; successful operation of the Company's proprietary credit card strategic alliance with HSBC Bank Nevada, N.A.; geo-political risks; changes in interest rates; and fluctuations in foreign currency and exchange rates. For additional information regarding these and other risk factors, please refer to the Company's filings with the SEC, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2008, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and its Current Reports on Form 8-K, which may be tiffanys via EDGAR through the Internet at www.sec.gov.

Keywords: Saks Incorporated

The elegant vintage necklace that Dancing with the Stars and E! reality show personality Kim tiffany rings wore in three pages of her December 2007 Playboy photo layout will be exclusively available for purchase on ShopStyleFolio.com Monday, October 6, 2008.

Yvette Craddock, ShopStyleFolio.com Founder and Style Director, states, "According to its designer Sherri Jennings, this necklace is the only one of its kind. It will be part of the www.ShopStyleFolio.com 'Pop & Print' collection." This necklace will be available for sale on Monday, October 6, 2008 at 8:00am CDT for only $3,500 which includes free shipping.

According Ms. Craddock, "This necklace's distinct beauty captured my eye. Only after my purchase of it did I hear the rumor about Kim Kardashian wearing it in her Playboy pictorial. I have confirmed that the rumor is, indeed, fact. The necklace is made of vintage filigree pieces in brass then finished in an antique gold. All of the stones are vintage European. It is definitely a piece that a sexy, confident woman will wear well."

Faith Popcorn's latest '08 consumer trend report reveals that 48% of people feel that it is harder to have a tiffany bracelets style/identity today. The desire for individuality is why Ms. Craddock only offers one of each piece on www.ShopStyleFolio.com; all competitively priced and of outstanding quality.

ShopStyleFolio.com(TM) is devoted to women's bold, luxurious, modern and unique jewelry. It is the only known web site that provides shoppers with an online facial shape guide to assist them in selecting necklaces and earrings that most flatter their features and a wearable weight code to inform shoppers how much an item will weigh on their body. Visitors also have access to a summary of seasonal trends, a stone glossary, a how-to stone care guide and other informative fashion and accessory tips through newsletters, podcasts and site updates. The Folioista(TM) program reserves new pieces and special offers exclusively for its members. Programs such as "Honey I Need", "Bridal Bliss Bouquet" and "Purge to Splurge" are also exclusive to the site.

ShopStyleFolio.com(TM) is committed to providing exceptionally creative, high-quality jewelry tiffanys equal emphasis on site security, client privacy and customer service. Additional information including print-ready photographs and media materials are at www.shopstylefolio.com or via request to define@shopstylefolio.com or 1.866.99.FOLIO (36546).

On-premise software applications like Microsoft Great Plains were once very popular earrings mid-sized companies but are rapidly falling out of favor due to a number of deficiencies. Most do not allow business data to move easily across departments, resulting in a lack of real-time visibility across key metrics needed to optimize business operations. In addition, wholesale / distribution companies that deploy best-of-breed applications like Microsoft Great Plains are forced to manage their business on separate on-premise software packages -- one for accounting, one for inventory and warehousing, one for sales force management and one for Ecommerce -- an approach that requires costly integration to get them to work together. The cost of implementation, integration and on-going application maintenance in such environments can be many times the cost of the software itself. In addition, tying together disparate systems typically does not provide the integrated real-time visibility across business metrics that is essential to managing growth in a dynamic business environment.

In contrast to Microsoft Great Plains, NetSuite is designed to help solve the challenge of bringing together these different systems because it is a single system for ERP, CRM, inventory, and Ecommerce operations. As a result, wholesale / distribution businesses benefit from 360-degree, real-time visibility into their customers' purchase, payment, shipping and service history. In addition, NetSuite is delivered as Software as a Service (SaaS), so not only is the cost of integrating disparate systems eliminated, but also the on-going cost of maintaining on-premise applications.

Thanks to NetSuite's SaaS delivery, wholesale / distribution businesses gain the added benefit of anytime, anywhere access, which allows them greater flexibility in expanding their business to multiple locations without the cost of installing on-premise applications, such as Microsoft Great Plains, in those multiple locations. This anytime, anywhere access is particularly useful to companies in the wholesale / distribution industries since they typically have distributed workforces.

The most recent wholesale / distribution companies that have defected to NetSuite from necklaces Great Plains include:

Telebyte (http://www.telebyteusa.com) is a manufacturer of data communications equipment for copper and fiber networks based in Hauppauge, New York. The company also offers local loop simulators and noise generators for testing broadband equipment. Founded in 1983, Telebyte has deployed thousands of its products around the world to industry leaders such as Alcatel-Lucent, Cisco, IBM, NEC, Motorola, GE Medical Systems, and Intel.

"The principal reasons we switched to NetSuite from Microsoft Great Plains were cost, software features and true integration," said Michael Breneisen, President, Telebyte Inc. "We are saving at least $150,000 per year using NetSuite -- having spent more on Great Plains support alone than we do for all of NetSuite! In addition, NetSuite is easier to use and has more features, such as case management. Microsoft Great Plains claims to offer integration, but it's not true integration. NetSuite actually has accounting and CRM fully integrated, which has been a big benefit to our growing business."

Total Beverage Solution (http://www.totalbeveragesolution.com) is an importer of fine wines, single-malt Scotch whisky and premium beers based in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. The company was formerly known as Vino.com.

"The best thing about NetSuite is that it's very easy to use and customize compared to Microsoft Great Plains," said Sam Grizzle, Controller, Total Beverage Solution. "NetSuite has changed the way we disseminate information and the way we track and report on our customers, products and finances because we can easily tailor it to suit our needs as things change. Before, we had a complex and static product available to only a few employees. Now our entire company has access to the information that's specifically important to their job, available at their fingertips."

Camcal Inc. (http://www.camcal.com) is a retail wholesaler of petroleum equipment based in Kent, Washington. Founded in 1961, Camcal calibrates meters for oil refineries, repairs reels, hoses, pumps and meters, and re-sells and wholesales petroleum equipment.

"With my programming and accounting background, I can tell you that Microsoft Great Plains was not very flexible or easy to use compared to NetSuite," said Cass Goetting, Accounting Manager at Camcal Inc. "Everything was hard coded and it was rather clunky. With NetSuite we have a friendlier, flexible system that allows me to create reports and see things visually that I couldn't see before."

J. Frank Golden & Associates (http://www.jfrankgolden.com) is a jewelry wholesaler based in Hampton, Georgia. For over 36 years, they have worked side-by-side with jewelers across the country and across the world with the objective to be the most comprehensive colored stone source.

"After using Microsoft Great Plains for a number of years, we came to the point where we had to upgrade, and we put it off as long as we could -- until we heard about NetSuite," said Glenn Golden, Marketing Director, J. Frank Golden & Associates. "We're now in our fourth year with NetSuite, and it has been wonderful. We were able to customize our quote system in NetSuite, and now we can log in from anywhere. We don't have to deal with servers and batch processing, and we don't have to hire an IT person. And we've saved money. tiffany sale helped us make it work to fit our budget, and we couldn't be happier about that."

For information about NetSuite Inc., please visit http://www.netsuite.com.

NOTE: NetSuite and the NetSuite logo are service-marks of NetSuite Inc. Other marks are the property of their respective owners.

The State Fair's Grand Place building houses its usual blend of hot tubs, vibrating foot rings and handcrafted African goods. It's only missing one thing this year: customers.

Luxury goods vendors say they're experiencing the worst sales year on record, up to an 80 percent decrease among some sellers almost a week into the fair. They attribute it to an early decline in fair attendance and spreading fears about Wall Street's crashing stocks.

"Last year you couldn't get across the aisles," said Brad Collins, who sells custom-built Western furniture in the Grand Place building. "Now you can shoot a gun in here and nobody would get hit."

Mr. Collins said he's one of the vendors experiencing an 80 percent decline in sales compared with last year.

Carlene Cash, who sells stuffed jalapeno cookers, described things as "bad, bad, bad."

And Medi-Rub Massagers owner Lee Jurewicz said sales are the worst he's seen in the 12 years he's worked the fair. The St. Petersburg, Fla., vendor said he's sold 32 machines so far, compared with 100 at this time last year.

Mr. Jurewicz hauls his goods to five fairs a year, from Orange County to Kansas City, but bracelets nothing compares to the drought he is experiencing in Texas.

"To stand here and do nothing is terrible," he said, looking at a line of empty chairs bearing foot massagers.

While failing banks and sinking markets have affected visitors, State Fair spokeswoman Sue Gooding attributes the lousy sales to football.

Last Saturday marked the first time in five years a football game did not occur on opening weekend, events that wrangle in the largest crowds for the fair. Prairie View A&M University and Grambling State University play this Saturday in the Cotton Bowl, with the University of Texas and the University of Oklahoma renewing their annual clash the following weekend.

Many customers who are making their annual trek to ogle the whirlpools and paw the handmade jewelry say they're keeping tighter pocketbooks.

Two years ago, the Allens from Corsicana spent $5,000 on a bar and pool table. This year, Jeanny Allen said, they're buying nothing.

"We're spending a lot less as we watch our money disappear from the stock market and our retirement go down the drain," she said.

The vendors who are making sales have etched out a niche market that makes purchases more justifiable, said seller Tomazane Tonips, who has only seen a "smidgen" of a decrease in sales of her husband's handmade stone oil lamps.

"If it's something they think is really unique, they will continue to spend," said Ms. Tonips, who sells their goods in the Arts and Collectables tent. She admitted lowering prices to accommodate increasingly selective shoppers.

She's banking on customers like John Kearley of Arlington, who declared that he and his wife would cufflinks the same amount as they always do. That prompted his wife, Jean Crawford, to shake her head in disagreement.

"It's scary times," she said.

Michigan Avenue Magazine, the most talked about launch in Chicago, and the most tiffany on sale launch in Niche Media history, will be hitting shelves today. The 360-page premiere issue featuring Chicago's hometown supermodel Cindy Crawford, will be followed by a Holiday issue, and then ten issues in 2009.

The magazine has exceeded all expectations with over $3 million in sales amassed over the last six months. National advertisers already committed to Michigan Avenue include an impressive array of luxury brands such as Anne Taylor, Armani Exchange, Aston Martin, Bebe, Bloomingdales, Blue Star Jets, Buffalo Jeans, Carl F. Bucherer, CNN, David Yurman, Dennis Basso, Dom Perigon, Duxiana, Ebel, Ermenegildo Zegna , Fiji Water, Giorgio Armani, Graff, Harry Winston, Hennessy Cognac, Hermes, Intermix, J. Crew, Joseph Abboud, Le Sportsac, Louis Vuitton, Macy's, Movado, Neiman Marcus, Nicole Miller, Park Hyatt Hotels, Peninsula, Philippe Charriol, Ralph Lauren, Related Group, Saks Fifth Avenue, Scott Key, Simmons Jewelry Co., TAG Heuer, Van Cleef & Arpels, among others.

"Chicago is an amazing and progressive city," said Niche Media CEO Jason Binn. "We are proud to launch a publication that celebrates all that Chicago is, and all that Chicago has to offer."

"In my 18 years publishing magazines, this is the most widespread acceptance I have experienced by the advertising and social communities," added Dan Uslan, Midwest president and publisher. "Many of our partners not only committed to us in 2008, but have also signed up through the end of 2009. We've clearly found our niche in Chicago."

More than 30 bold-faced names with Chicago ties will contribute to the publication, discount tiffany Oprah Winfrey, Mayor Richard M. Daley, Michelle Obama, Reverend Al Sharpton, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, political comedian Bill Maher, Chicago rocker Pete Wentz, famed photographer Victor Skrebneski, singer Michelle Williams from Destiny's Child, journalist Bill Kurtis, Tim Zagat, Mariel Hemingway, writer and host James Lipton and news anchor Robin Meade, to name a few off of the acclaimed list.

"When I came on board we created a wish list of contributors and it was a thrill to see each and every one come through," said Editor in Chief Susanna Homan. "It's exciting to create something so special to share with the city."

Michigan Avenue Magazine celebrates the lifestyles and passions of Chicago's most affluent and sophisticated readers. High-impact covers and witty, intelligent editorial content will include features and interviews, fashion stories, an inside-look with celebrity contributors, product and accessories trends, home design, art, tiffany jewelry on sale, theatre, entertainment, and photos of the people and places that make Chicago so special.

This call is the property of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and intended solely for the use of Wal-Mart shareholders. It discount tiffany not be reproduced in any way. This call contains statements that Wal-Mart believes are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are intended to enjoy the protections of the Safe Harbor for forward-looking statements provided by that act. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified by use of words or phrases such as believe, estimate, expect, forecast, anticipate, intend, plan, guidance, see, will be, will continue or other similar words or phrases. Similarly, descriptions of our objectives, strategies, plans, goals, targets or future financial or operational performance are also forward-looking statements.

These statements discuss, among other things, expected growth, future revenue, future cash flows, future capital expenditures, future performance and the anticipation and expectations of Wal-Mart and its management as to future occurrences and trends. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors domestically and internationally, including general economic conditions, unemployment levels, fuel prices, weather conditions, the cost of goods, competitive pressures, inflation, consumer credit availability, shopping Tiffany Bracelets, spending patterns and debt levels, currency exchange fluctuations, trade restrictions, changes in tariffs and freight rates, interest rate fluctuations and other capital market conditions and other risks.

We discuss certain of these matters and other risk factors more fully in our filings with the SEC, including our most recent annual report on Form 10-K. This release should be read in conjunction with that annual report on Form 10-K and together with all our other filings, including our current reports on Form 8-K made with the SEC through the date of this call.

You are urged to consider all of these risks, uncertainties and other factors carefully in evaluating these forward-looking statements and not to place undue reliance on such statements. As a result of these and other matters, including changes in facts, assumptions not being realized or other circumstances, our actual results may differ materially from historical results or anticipated results as expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking statements made in this call are made only as of the original date of this call and we undertake no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

CAROL SCHUMACHER, IR, WAL-MART STORES, INC.: Hi and thanks for calling Wal-Mart for the December 2008 sales release. The sales reporting period included the five weeks ended Friday, January 2 and compares with the five weeks ended Friday, January 4 last year.

For this year's five-week period, comparable store sales were up 1.9% in the Wal-Mart US Tiffany Rings and up 0.1% in the Sam's Club segment without fuel. Total US comp store sales increased 1.7% without fuel for the five-week period. Our nonfuel comp excludes all fuel sales, not just the impact of inflation on fuel sales.

The overall net sales results were total company, $46.5 billion, down 0.1%; Wal-Mart US, $30.9 billion, up 4.3%; Sam's Club, $4.9 billion, down 2.1%; and Wal-Mart International, $10.7 billion, down 10.4%.

We should note that for the third month in a row currency exchange rate fluctuations had a significant impact on international sales in US dollar terms. The higher value of the US dollar against most currencies in the December period reduced Wal-Mart International sales as reported in US dollar terms by 18.7 percentage points. On a constant currency basis, meaning using the same exchange rates as the December period last year, total international sales increased 8.3% over the December period last year.

In Wal-Mart US, comp store sales were influenced by the difficult economy and severe winter weather in some regions. Grocery and health and wellness were the primary drivers for the period with comp increases in the mid single digits. Electronic sales were solid, particularly in flat-panel TVs, laptops, video games, MP3 players and GPS units. Toys also were positive. Apparel and jewelry were soft.

Wal-Mart US had positive traffic for the third straight month and we believe we continue to gain marketshare due to our price leadership and improvements in customer experience. At the same time, severe winter weather slowed sales, especially in the week before Christmas, forcing the closure of 40 stores for periods of a few hours to nine days.

At Wal-Mart.com, sales were significantly ahead of last year, led by sales of entertainment and home products, particularly furniture, as well as the site-to-store program. Bicycles and ride-on toys also did well.

During the period, sales were stronger in the West and Northeast regions and softer in the Southeast and Central. On Wednesday, Wal-Mart US announced a new round of rollbacks following the holiday season. The first round, which was launched in early November and dubbed Operation Main Street, gave customers more than $400 million since its launch. These latest rollbacks will build upon that, emphasizing products that help people live healthier lives, including exercise equipment.

Sales at Sam's Club were below expectations, though sales were stronger in the last two weeks of the period. Winter weather also negatively affected traffic and sales in some markets. Fresh food, dry grocery and consumables drove Club sales, while jewelry and home-related products were softer. Toys also did well at Sam's. Members were clearly more selective in their purchases and small businesses were spending more cautiously.

Fuel prices were lower when compared to the same period last year and had a negative effect on Tiffany Bangles comps for the second month in a row. Deflation in fuel prices lowered Sam's comp sales results by 3.3 percentage points.

In International, comp store sales increased in the UK, Mexico, Canada, Brazil, Japan and China. Despite this, International sales did not meet our expectations as customers around the world continue to feel pressure from the economy. In addition, foreign exchange rates reduced International's reported results in dollar terms as we noted earlier.

Wal-Mart expects comp store sales in the United States for the January four-week period to be between flat and 2%. The January period runs from Saturday, January 3, 2009 through Friday, January 30, 2009.

We have updated our fourth-quarter guidance for earnings per share from continuing operations. There are a number of considerations which CFO, Tom Schoewe, noted in the press release. First, the negative impact of $0.06 per share from the currency effect we announced November 13; second, an additional $0.06 stemming from the after-tax charge for the settlement of lawsuits we announced on December 23; third, fourth-quarter sales are trending below expectations for Wal-Mart International and Sam's; and last, higher expenses are expected in the fourth quarter.

We now expect earnings from continuing operations for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 to be tiffany bracelet $0.91 and $0.94 per share. Considering the impact of the currency and litigation charges, we continue to expect our underlying operating performance for the quarter to be at or above the same quarter last year. The usual comp updates are posted on our website at www.walmart stores.com/investors. Thanks for your interest in our Company and have a great day.

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