Beauty Tips Guides

Fashion is a tricky thing for many men. I often receive inquiries from readers wondering how to approach style, and why “style” even matters. I argue that presentation matters, regardless if it’s a business plan or a business suit. For men, that means it’s important to take the time to dress contemporarily; there’s no need to be cutting edge, but up-to-date is a definite must.

Fortunately, it is not as difficult as many men think. Unless you have a taste for extraordinarily unusual styles, there shouldn’t be much problem coordinating appropriate outfits. Particularly if you break it down to a couple simple rules.

To dress great, it’s helpful to have a couple of basic rules-of-thumb to keep in mind. Fashion evolves constantly, but even so, these rules can help you look your best in almost any situation.

First of all, season should never determine color. While some colors may feel more “comfortable” in specific seasons, don’t limit your choice of colors based entirely on the time of year. For example, while fall might seem like the perfect time for grays, browns, and blacks, don’t forget that contrasting colours, white for example, can provide a stand-out look that’ll get you noticed. It’s more important to follow guidelines regarding patterns than sticking to specific color “rules”.

For most men, understated colors tend to be the most appropriate. In addition, solid colors are a classic look that never go out of style, and are appropriate for almost any situation. If you are struggling to put together an outfit or wardrobe, it’s always a great idea to start with a solid colored shirt. You won’t go wrong.

While we’re talking about color, did you know that your shoe color does not necessarily need to match your belt color?

It’s a very common misconception that “different” somehow means “clashing”. It’s simply not the case. Ideally, colors or tones should be “related”. And this goes for everything you’re wearing, not just your shoes and belt. The key is to pick similar shades that fit into a certain “class” that go well together. So, keep in mind: don’t match colors, pair.

Pairing is another interesting topic, particularly when talking about patterns. Most men think it’s a faux-pas to pair patterns, but again, this is more of a suggestion than a hard and fast rule. While I’m willing to grant that purple stripes definitely don’t go well with orange bubble print, pairing patterns can have a powerful effect on an ensemble. The key to remember is that paired patterns should be in a similar shade, with one pattern more subtle than the other.

As for pants, what’s the best? Well, again, it always comes down to personal taste. But if you want to ensure you are up to date, there are two things to avoid: pleats and cuffs. Current styles in men’s pants involve straight, clean lines. Pleats just add padding, which looks messy, and cuff belong on only the most formal of pants.

One last thing: make sure your pants are hemmed to the correct length. If you get your pants hemmed too short, it’ll look like you’ve suffered an unexpected growth spurt. Just remember: no one wants to see your socks!

All in all, there are very few “rules” to men’s fashion. There is room to express individuality while presenting an elegant appearance.

Michael Lee-Smith has strong opinions about fashion. Learn more about fashion trends at his fashion trends site.

You still remember the spacious walk-in closet you fall in-love with when you first saw your current apartment. This closet was actually one of the main reasons you decided to rent the specific house and you nostalgically now recall how proud you felt when you still had the ability to enter your closet space in order to select your next attire. But, for some time now, you have been experiencing an extremely different situation. Your once beloved closet has transformed itself into a monster that threatens to expand its presence to other areas of your apartment as well. Clothes, shoes, and accessories, have been pilling up inside your closet space creating an amorphous mass, which you have to squeeze under your feet in order to grab and pull out your next choice of garment. If this description sounds familiar, perhaps it is time to put an end to your suffering and regain control over your closet. It can actually be a fun process, regardless of what you might believe.

The only way to straighten out not only your wardrobe, but also your mind, is to do what you dread of; empty your closet space. Although some might think that this is actually an unnecessary step, I strongly recommend you to reconsider. By pulling every piece of garment outside your closet’s space you will actually get a chance to check what exactly you have been hiding in there; for who knows how long. By emptying your closet, the mess you now think as inevitable might become an organized zone of personal enhancement that you have never before dreamt of having. Thus, assign a weekend to complete this tremendously important closet-cleaning process and you will be grateful that you will be able again to grab a shirt from the hanger without having first to pick up twenty different things from the floor just to be able to reach your choice.

Begin by opening your closet and inspecting the mess inside. Which four types of clothes or garment materials can you see that you have in abundance? Select the ones that you frequently have bought over the years and place them onto the bed. Dividing the bed space into four zones will assist your efforts later, as you will be able to see how many clothes from each category you own and select the right amount of space for them to be placed. In addition, during this closet-cleaning-up procedure, it is best if you put every single thing currently residing inside your closet’s space somewhere else inside your apartment. Since your bed will host the garments that most frequently appear in your closet, the rest of the apparel materials have to be placed somewhere else, keeping a logical order and forming smaller piles of similar stuff. Pants, suits, shirts, skirts, dresses, shorts, blouses, tops, and T-shirts have to get out from your closet to “breathe,” along with belts, scarves, gloves, bags, shoes, socks and underwear. Attempting to remodel your closet’s space will give you a good idea of what you already have in your possession and which of those old clothes and accessories you really wish to keep.

Now that you have “everything out in the open,” it is time to begin the inverse process. Putting everything back inside the closet is the step that you will need some creative thinking in order to manage the volume of the things that are now scattered all around the room. Cardboard boxes, plastic bags, and every other type of small storage containers can keep your outfits and bedclothes in-order. Creating handwritten labels and adding ribbons for some color, will give you an outcome that is usually portrayed in glossy house magazines. Purchase the right type of hangers for your clothes and place them in you closet according to their type and height when hanged. Keep shirts closer together, hang pants in relation to their use and place your various accessories in containers that you can easily reach later (i.e. on the floor or lower drawers). Designate a space to put the clothes which are not currently in season, like heavy overcoats when it is summer or you bathing suit when it is winter. Hats can be placed in bigger baskets, belts can be hanged on the back of your closet doors, and shoes can be placed on specially designed ranks on the floor.

Finally, remember to give away clothes, shoes, accessories or other things you never wear or use. Your local church charities can be a perfect opportunity for you to show that you are a philanthropist, while a variety of organizations offer house pick-up services to take clothes and give them to those less fortunate than yourself. Cleaning-up the messy closet will let you again experience how it feels to be organized. Additionally, you will always be prepared to put something on that it is not full of wrinkles or needs immediate washing. You can also invite over a friend to help you out, as another person’s feedback on your current wardrobe can give you a hint on what you should focus on purchasing next time you are about to do some “serious” shopping.

Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles on many topics including Clothing, Beauty, and Arts

With so many different types of wedding dresses to choose from, in hundreds of different styles, colors and fabrics, how do you go about choosing the perfect wedding dress for that special once in a lifetime day? Picking the best dress for your wedding day can be a daunting task!

Firstly, the type of wedding that you are planning will often have the most influence on the dress you pick. If you are planning to have a traditional style of wedding, you may want to have a classic style of wedding dress, but something that will match your personality along with the theme of the wedding.

Secondly, the location of your wedding will have a big influence on your dress style. For example, if you are planning to get married on the beach in a tropical climate, it is important to have the right wedding dress. You may want something more simple and easy to wear when you are standing on a beach or by a swimming pool. Something along the lines of a sundress may work best for your special occasion. You will find that there are plenty of colors and lengths to choose from. You may want to stick with the white or off white, or you may want to add some color to your wedding day and choose a bolder looking dress. The lengths for the beach wedding dresses are different too. Think about whether you want to have a longer ankle length dress or if you want something that will be a little shorter. Something around the knee length may be more appropriate for your wedding day on the beach. It is important for you to feel good and stay cool in your wedding dress.

The time of year is another important factor in the style of dress you choose. If you are getting married in the middle of winter you will want to have something that will keep you warmer, perhaps by looking for something in a thicker material with long sleeves or a cape. There are many options for this style of wedding dress and you will want to take your time and choose one carefully.

If you are getting married in warmer months you may want to go for a strapless wedding gown. This is a choice that is risky for some women, but a perfect choice for others. The important thing is that you feel comfortable in your gown. Alternatively you may want to go for a backless wedding dress. This is a great idea that will be a perfect fit for many women. Some women may even want to go for a lower cut neckline so that they can show off a little cleavage. It is up to you to make the decision and be true to your personal style for your wedding dress. Do not be afraid to ask for what you want and to go for it. You only get married once and this is your day to be creative and to show off your style and personal taste.

Often a woman will not want to have the traditional white wedding gown. They will want to add some fun and color to their wedding and their dress is the perfect place to start. There is no law that states that a wedding dress has to be white! Some brides will feel more comfortable in a dress that is off white or pale pink. Others will want to have something a little bolder. They may want to have a yellow, blue or even red wedding dress. This is totally up to the bride and she should choose something that reflects her personality and flatters her figure. Make sure you visit a few different bridal shops, try on a wide selection of styles and colors and be sure to take your time in choosing the most important dress of your life!

Suzy Morrison is owner of Wedding Dress Advisor the site for wedding dress tips and advice.

I am sure that everybody is familiar with aprons. As you may know, aprons are outer protective garments that were designed and crafted to cover primarily the front of the body. There are actually several reasons for wearing aprons. These garments are commonly worn by people of all ages for hygienic purposes, to protect their clothes from wear and tear or to prevent bodily harm from hazardous materials.

For many years, aprons have been a common part of the uniform of a number of work categories. Most waitresses, nurses, homemakers, and domestic staff wore it for several reasons. Additionally aprons have always been common with cobblers, carpenters, blacksmiths, chemists, chefs, food industry personnel and lab personnel. It is also interesting to note that aprons are commonly worn just as a decorative garment by some women (and men too).

There are basically a number of different styles of aprons. It is just somehow necessary to note that these styles greatly depend upon the purpose of the apron itself. Aside from this fact, such garments can be designed and crafted from a variety of materials. In the world today, there are rubber and plastic aprons that are commonly employed by persons who are particularly working with risky and toxic chemicals and others for general protection against liquids.

There are lead aprons, usually encased in a plastic covering, that are commonly worn by persons who are working with X-rays, particularly those X-ray technicians who work near radiation. Many blacksmiths prefer leather aprons.There are some aprons, such as those used by most carpenters and constuction personnel, that have many pockets to handle their necessary tools that are made from canvas or heavy synthetic materials.

The majority of todays aprons are made from cloth-like materials such as cotton, canvas, lace and various synthetic substances.

Custom made aprons have become very popular, especially for those who enjoy cooking, both indoors and outside. These novelty items are available with funny sayings (”How Burned Do You Like Your Steak?”), ego messages (”World’s Greatest Chef”), or just personal names (”Make Your Request to Chef Steve”), etc.

Aprons can be decorated and customized using various processes. Silk screening, embroidery, printing and various other material attachments are the usual methods for making aprons more individualized. Retro aprons have recently become very popular.

Depending on the purpose of the aprons, it can be designed and crafted in a number of ways. A basic distinction is usually between waist aprons, which generally cover the body from waist down or a bib apron, which additionally covers the upper part of the body. As you may know, aprons are typically held in place by two ribbon-like strips of cloth that are tied in the back. However, the bib apron may also either have a strap which goes around the neck or shoulder straps that criss-cross in the back, or attach to the waistband.

Finally, it is worthy to note that the term “apron” does not only refer to just an worn article as mentioned above. The term is also used more generally to refer to an expanse surrounding some objects. I guess you are all familiar with airports that have a concrete apron around it, where planes as well as other vehicles can move about. And, in theater lingo, aprons are actually the portions of the stage that are separated by the main curtain and in front of the house or the audience.

Millennium Services Group, run by R.T. Markovsky, hosts an informative web site with a wealth of free information about all facets of aprons. Check out http://www.All-About-Aprons.com to see
more.

The Christmas holidays are fast approaching! Everyone will soon be busy running around Christmas shopping, getting loved ones gifts, buying new outfits and making sure everything is at hand to make the season a special and memorable one.

But who will take the time out to think of their feet? What is the use of having a brand new outfit, if you do not have the right pair of shoes to round it off and make it complete? It is vital to think of footwear, especially if what you are looking for is something in wide widths. Since we very well know how hard it is sometimes for women with wide feet to find wide fitting shoes, we have compiled a list of our ten favorite shoes which will be perfect to wear during the Christmas holidays, and furthermore which are all available in big and wide fittings!

1. Women’s Festive Microfabric Pumps from Ros Hommerson
This collection, without a doubt, had to top this chart! You are sure to spread holiday cheer wherever you go in these fun and festive embroidered pumps. Colorful stitched winter scenes come alive on a black microfabric background. High density foam insoles ensure your feet stay in a comfortable and joyful mood. Matching handbag including embroidered festive elements is also available to complete your look.

2. Elegance Collection from Easy Spirit
You will definitely light up the evening in these gorgeous and elegant shoes. Choose your your favorite from the classic pump, with tiny rhinestone details. Perhaps you would prefer the dainty ankle-strap with flattering design; or else the grosgrain fabric sling, with subtle poly trim and adjustable back strap. All styles feature lightly padded insoles and smooth linings.

3. Santiago from Ros Hommerson
You will love showing off your pretty wide feet in this fabulous shoe during the Christmas holiday season! An open toe, open back sling which is accentuated with sparkling beads and micro fiber material. The adjustable buckle provides a custom width, and padded insoles add to the comfort.

4. Posh Collection from J. Renee
A truly unique peep toe leather pump from designer J. Renee which features a beautiful print to add that little extra touch of fashion to your Holiday season. Padded insoles ensure a comfortable fit. To complete your look, matching bags are also available, which include a removable shoulder strap and several d op-in pockets.

5. Jolie from Hush Puppies
An ultra chic and classy style, these shoes are definitely a must have for a fashionable Holiday season. The weaved cut-out vamp adds style and sophistication; yet this shoe can be easily dresses up or down. Fully cushioned insoles offer comfort for all day wear.

6. Hot Girl Collection from Easy Spirit
With these shoes gracing your feet, you are bound to turn any occasion into a memorable one. These shimmering strappy sandals feature exotic snake-print upper and a padded insole for assured comfort.

7. Astra from Annie
Shine and sparkle this Christmas season in these cute and festive shoes. The satin upper is embellished with sequins and beads. Adjustable ankle strap and lightly padded insoles ensure a secure and comfortable fit.

8. Manchuria by J. Renee
What a fun shoe, perfect for the Holiday season, brought to us by designer J. Renee. This modern pump features real fur at the instep and a square toe. Available in both red and black, this shoe comes in a leather upper and sole.

9. Women’s Dual-Textured Dress Pump from Hush Puppies
Shoe experts Hush Puppies bring us this exciting dress pump which features tweed fabric/Lamy or Lamy/shiny combination to fit your Holiday wardrobe. Very wintery and warm.

10. Enchanted Evening Collection from Van Eli
These romantic rhinestone dress styles from designer Van Eli are slimming by design and stunning by nature. Escape into the moonlight this Christmas season, with these gorgeous shoes. All styles feature leather linings, leather soles and leather covered, cushioned insoles.

Your feet will walk you through the Christmas holiday season. Make sure you have a special, and comfortable, pair of wide width shoes ready to wear during this special season.

Maya Matthews is a freelance writer at Wide Width Shoes Online, a website dedicated to providing information and shopping reviews to people with big and wide feet, who have a hard time finding footwear that fits. Maya is a seasoned expert, with years of experience. Visit her at http://www.widewidthshoesonline.com/ for more information.

Scarves are the must have fashion accessory of this season. In this article we’ll give a few scenarios in which you might consider wearing a scarf and what it can look great with. These are casual “scarf scenarios” meant to help you look and feel great in relaxed, fun settings this holiday season.

Hitting the slopes this winter? If you are planning a day on skis, you’ll find that warm pants, a thick wool sweater and a long, bright red scarf are the recipe for looking great while you swish down the slopes. If it’s warm enough, a sweater and scarf will be enough to keep you warm without getting too bulky (as you would if you were wearing a ski jacket. And when you walk into the lodge, the scarf can come off and you’ll be a comfortable temperature for sipping hot chocolate by the fire and snuggling with someone warm.

Looking to go out with some friends for a night on the town? A turtleneck sweater, a three quarter length leather jacket, and jeans look great when combined with a brightly colored scarf (or a scarf of the same color as your sweater). Make sure that your scarf is not the same length or longer than your coat, but rather shorter. Otherwise, it could look odd.

Got a hot date? A long trench coat looks great and when paired with a subdued, solid color scarf, you’ll look fantastic. If you are taller, don’t go for a scarf that’s too long: this will make you look too tall. However, if you’re shorter or plus sized, you may prefer a scarf that is longer: it will add the illusion of height and slimness to your figure.

Meeting the family at the family cottage for Christmas? A durable, hand knit scarf of medium length is perfect. It’s versatile in case you find yourself sledding with your nieces or nephews or out on a long walk with your siblings: wrap it around your neck a few times for warmth or leave it open to cool off a little. What’s more, your mother will be happy to see that you’re finally listening to her and wearing a scarf!

Heading out after work for drinks with coworkers? Your at-work wardrobe can be made to look more casual with different shoes and a scarf. Depending on your outfit, you may consider switching from a trench coat to a three quarter length coat, too.

And women, don’t forget that a small, light silky scarf can be tied around your neck for an all day scarf look that brings attention to your face or helps to bring some pizzazz to a drab looking outfit. If you’re tired of your wardrobe but can’t find the right “bling” to add, a scarf could be the right option.

Not only can scarves make you look great at every casual occasion, but they also make the perfect gift for…just about anyone. Got someone on your list who you’re not sure what to get them? You can always rely on the trusty scarf as a great gift.

With their scarves featured at the Monaco Film Festival and Cannes Film Festivals, www.FashionScarvesandShawls.com has the scarf for you.