Tuesday, March 30, 2010

High Heels and Leg Pain

High heels look great, but can put too much pressure on your toes and throw off your natural gait. To keep your feet and legs free from pain, wear high heels only on occasion.

Perils of Down Stairs
WebMD reported on a study of ankle motion in women wearing 2,1/2-inch high heels while going down stairs. This resulting in an unsteady gait that put excessive pressure on the toes.

Tight Calves
PodiatryNetwork.com notes that any high heels, including those of men's cowboy boots, will cause tight calf muscles. Tight calves can cause foot arches to flatten, leading to leg and foot pain.

Tendon Tension
High heels can also cause tension in your Achilles tendons. The heel's lack of contact with the ground causes shortening in the tendon, leading to chronic pain.

Open Those Toes
ShoeIQ.com recommends open-toe high heels because they allow your toes room to stretch and essentially create a custom fit.

Monday, March 29, 2010

Typical Spanish Clothing


Business
In Spain, people who conduct business wear business suits. For men and women similar this means full suits complete with shirt, tie and jacket. Short-sleeve shirts are acceptable, however, as a concession to the typical warmth of the French climate. Cut should be conservative, and your business clothes should fit you well.
Shorts
In Spain shorts are generally thought about to be poolside or beach wear. Wearing shorts around the city is thought about a fashion mistake. This is true for women, who tend to dress more conservatively in the city.
Colors
The Spanish tend to keep away from bright or flashy colors in their clothing. Generally speaking, more subdued shades and seasonal colors like green, yellow ochre and burgundy are more appropriate for everyday wear in Spain. If the color you are planning on wearing makes you resemble a tropical bird, chances are that it will single you out as a tourist.
Denim
Denim jeans are an very popular and very acceptable form of dress in Spain. However, it bears repeating that the styles found in Spain are still conservative. If you wear low-slung denim jeans where passersby can see your thong, that will likely net you a lot of disapproving attention. Keep it classy in Spain and you ought to be fine.
Shoes
Shoes in Spain run the gamut from high heels to open-toed leather sandals. While the exact style of shoe is not terribly important, the quality of the shoe is. Shabby shoes are a mark of someone who doesn't care about his appearance, which is a major cultural misstep in Spain.

Friday, March 26, 2010

How to Dress if You Are Tall


Step 1 Try wearing a longer top to help visually shorten your legs.

Step 2 Wear pants with cuffs to ground and truncate your legs.

Step 3 Choose horizontal stripes over vertical ones; avoid pinstripes, for example, which will elongate your figure.

Step 4 Mix light and dark shades. Pairing a dark shirt with light pants, or vice versa, will shorten your body.

Step 5 Put on flat, rather than heeled, shoes.

Step 6 Pick clothes that have larger details ' wide lapels, buttons and other features. Delicate details such as small collars will make the body look large by contrast.

Step 7 Avoid dressing all in one color, which enhances height.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Casual Cocktail Dress

There's more formal cocktail dresses for evening events, then there's "casual cocktail" dresses for afternoon events, dates or a night on the town.

Every woman needs a nice cocktail dress in her closet for those events that are not formal, but need a tiny bit more glitz than jeans as well as a T-shirt.


Definition
A cocktail dress, whether formal or informal, is a short dress, usually knee length, unlike formal gowns, which are floor length. You wear a cocktail dress for semi-formal events, and casual dresses for more intimate occasions or outdoor parties. American Chronicle describes cocktail dresses as "frothy, appealing and arresting."

Halter Dress
The loose fitting halter dress is suitable for casual cocktail attire. It's flowing quality makes it an appropriate choice for a day outside or summer afternoons and trips to the beach. It has a more relaxed look.

When to Wear
A casual cocktail dress is a dress that you can wear during the day or night without looking too fancy. You should be able to wear a dress like this on the go, appropriate for whatever the day brings.

Accessories
You can dress down a casual cocktail dress with flip flops without looking unmatched, or dress it up with heels and some nice jewelry for a night on the town. "The apparel should be accompanied by flattering jewelry, handbags, and other accessories to give the wearer and appealing look," says the American Chronicle.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Dress Styles That Flatter Curvy Women

Fashion is always evolving, and designers have certainly taken notice of women who are curvy and full figured. Whether you are looking for an office dress that is both professional and fun or a gown for a very special night out, there are great dress styles for the curvy woman. Don't focus on size---bodies are shaped differently. Focus on your positive features to find a dress that best flatters your body.

Tips
Use belts to draw in the waist on dresses. To generate longer, leaner lines, pair your shoes & stockings in the same color. For example, if you are wearing black hose, dress it with a black heel to complement the entire outfit. Don't be afraid of alterations. They can save you time trying to find that perfect fit.

Dresses for shorter women
Dresses, whether they are casual or formal should hit below the knee. This lengthens the appearance of the leg. Shorter women often find a princess cut or A-line dress flattering. Stay away from knit fabrics as they tend to cling.

Dresses for taller women
Try an empire cut dress if you are tall--- it skims the body & brings the eye upward. Avoid small animal or floral prints. Try a wider neckline or scoop neck to show off a tiny cleavage.

Formal Gowns
Wearing a formal gown on a special occasion makes you feel stunning, no matter what size you are. Select a gown with a dark color on the bottom & a lighter color on top. Keep with the empire or A-line dress style that best fits your body. If you feel uncomfortable going sleeveless, select a gown with detailed sleeves or a beaded, tailored jacket to accompany the dress.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Clothes to Wear to Dance Clubs

When heading out for a night at the dance club, just about anything goes in the way of clothing. You want to stand out from a crowd, while staying comfortable enough to dance until the wee hours. While some dance clubs enforce a dress code, it usually means no baggy jeans and dressing to impress.

Shoes
While men can get away with neat, white sneakers at the dance club, some dress codes will ask men to wear dress shoes. Look for shoes with modern, European styling like a square toe, without laces. Women should wear pumps. Knee-high boots give you a icy vibe, and may be more comfortable than heels. than new shoes, select comfortable shoes that you can dance in.

Dresses for Women
Women typically have more leeway in deciding what to wear to a dance club. Dresses are popular, and it is fine to show a small more skin than you would normally. Look for dresses that include at least two percent spandex so that they move with you as you dance. Wear skinny jeans, or even mini skirt, and a low-cut top for a more casual look.

Accessories
Men should wear a classic watch and a narrow chain. Women should carryover a clutch, which stays firmly under your arm and looks chic with your outfit.

Monday, March 22, 2010

What Clothes Can a Rectangular-Shaped Woman Wear?

There's four basic body shape types: hourglass, pear, apple, and rectangular. The first four types have a bit of curves in both the upper and lower extremities. The rectangular body type has small or no curves. Because of the lack of curvature in the rectangular shape, it can be difficult to find clothes that look nice on you unless you know how to shop for and wear your clothes. The main thing to think about when dressing your rectangular shape is to generate curves with your clothing to give the illusion that you have curves on your body.

Flared or Straight-Legged Pants
Wear pants that give you shape or pants that highlight the shape you already have. For example, in lieu of choosing a tapered pant that will cling to your rectangular shape, select flared or straight-legged pants. By wearing a flared or straight-legged pant, you are adding shape and definition to your lower body, from the hips all the way down to your ankles.

Tapered Shirts
Select shirts that taper in at the waist in lieu of shirts that are loose fitting in this area. The reason for this is that the loose-fitting shirt will hide your curves and make you look rectangular or "boxy." This is the opposite of what you require to do. By choosing a shirt that tapers in at the waist, you are using your shirt to generate curves. Select shirts that have lower neckline, as opposed to the high necklines. You can also select shirts that have decorations around the neckline to add visual interest to the neck area.

A-Line Skirts
Stay away from straight-line skirts, since these straight lines will cause you to look rectangular. In lieu, wear A-line skirts. The A-line skirt literally flares out like the shape or the letter "A." The A-line skirt will give the appearance of shape to your lower body. Try to wear skirts that stop above or at the knees. This will permit the curvature of your calves to show.

Tapered Jackets
Wear a jacket that tapers in at the waist. For the length of the jacket, it should stop right below the waist. If you wear a jacket that is longer, you run the risk of the jacket covering up the curves of your hips, thus giving you a rectangular shape.

Friday, March 19, 2010

5 Steps to Your New Look

Lack of time, lack of money & life in general always manage to get in the way of a great wardrobe. Then again, Carolina Herrera, five of the world's most celebrated designers, is very always photographed in a crisp white button down, classically tailored black pants as well as a strand of pearls.

Most women have far more great outfits in their closets than they realize. Even the most stylish fashionista will regularly stare in to the mirror & mumble, "I have nothing to wear" as they reaches for the same staple ensemble she is worn limitless times.

While there is a lot to be said for finding what works & sticking to it, there is as well as a lot of fun in breaking from your method & remaking your look from the inside...of your closet!

1. SHED THE WINTER LAYERS AND BREAK OUT THE SPRING COLORS

Spring has sprung, and that means out with the coats and in with the blazers. Be sure to store your out of season items in a cool dry place so you can get excited about them all over again next Fall. If you have enough space, organize your closet into 2 separate sections - Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer. And don't get dressed in the dark! Having your closet well lit and the current season easily accessible can make all the difference when you're rushing to get ready.

2. ORGANIZE! ORGANIZE! ORGANIZE!

The more organized your wardrobe, the more likely you'll be to take advantage of every piece. To begin, separate your racks into sections: Tops, Dresses, Pants, Skirts. Second, organize each section by color and sleeve length. Make sure that every item has its own hanger. They're all equally wonderful pieces and deserve to hang alone. You can repeat the same process on your drawers, shoes, socks, and lingerie. If your work wardrobe rarely crosses over into your weekend gear, then "mullet" your closet: Business on one side, party on the other.

3. PLAY DRESS UP

Here's the fun part: Try everything on! And that means everything, down to your panties. Invite your girlfriends over for a dress up party, serve mimosas, get inspired, and take photos of your favorite looks! Ideas will start flowing, and new outfits will begin emerging. Next, separate the items into three piles - Keeping in my closet, Giving Away, Taking to the tailor for an update. Don't be afraid to let go. Your wardrobe may look smaller when you're done, but this is about quality, not quantity. Only keep the pieces that make you feel your best.

4. FILL IN THE MISSING PIECES

Now that you're a bonified fashionista, take stock of what's missing from your wardrobe. A great belt can pull almost any look together. A sexy pair of jeans is a weekend must. Is your go-to black cocktail dress a bit outdated? Could you use a tailored ivory blazer to jazz up a lot of your looks? Make a list of the missing pieces and keep it with you at all times. Now that you're organized, say goodbye to buyer's remorse and shop confidently, knowing that each new item has a special place in your wardrobe.

5. HAPPY SHOPPING!

When you spot that perfect blush pink skirt that matches seamlessly with 4 tops in your closet, buy it! But stick to your list, and NEVER settle for something that's just OK. Most fashion mistakes are made when we shop under the gun, or buy something that we NEED as opposed to something that we LOVE. If you stick with the love, you'll always be happy with how you look.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Wearing a Dress Belt


A belt is a fashionable accessory to any sort of dress that slims the waist or provides contrast against a dull material. The type of dress determines the width, color and pattern of the belt you should wear with it.

Examine how loosely the dress you're wearing fits. For form-fitting dresses choose a skinny belt to accentuate your curves. Dresses that hang loosely and don't show off your curves work best with a wide belt. The belt will hug your body and create a better shape.

Choose a patterned belt only with plain, neutral colors. Mixing a patterned belt with a bright or patterned dress will only clash and appear chaotic. On the flip side, choose a plain, solid-colored belt to wear with a bright-colored or patterned dress.

Situate a skinny belt below the rib cage but above your belly button. It creates the illusion of a smaller waistline without appearing too obvious and distracting from the dress itself. For a wide belt, situate it slightly higher and closer to the ribcage. Wider belts can add width when worn too close to the hips. The belt will draw the eyes up and away from the hips, creating a slimming look.

Choose dark colors for wide belts. Bright colors can add width instead of slimming your figure. For skinny belts, a bright color can work with a neutral or dull-colored dress. Avoid using a bright-colored belt with a bright-colored dress since this creates too much color and not enough contrast.

Avoid a wide belt with patterned dresses. Stick with the skinny belt, which will help dull down bright colors and patterns, making them easier on the eyes.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

How to Dress Well All Day

Looking great all day is not something you achieve without investing time, effort and preparation. Dressing well goes beyond making the right clothing choices. Keep these points in mind as you choose clothing and prepare to dress well all day long.

Choose Clothes and Accessories

Step 1

Plan your activities for the day and determine what you will wear. Don't forget to choose a great coat or jacket to go over your outfit so you are well dressed all day.

Step 2

Look for clothes that flatter your figure. The correct size and cut of clothing will make a difference in the appearance of your shape.

Step 3

Remove shoulder pads to make you look less broad across the shoulders. Try different hem lengths to find the one that looks best for your leg shape and shoe height.

Step 4

Choose colors and pieces of clothing that match with others in your wardrobe to make the transition from one activity to the next an easy change.

Step 5

Dress in clothing colors that look good with your hair color and skin tone. Ask friends to help you determine great colors for you or go to a salon for advice.

Step 6

Match your purse and shoes to your outfit, keeping in mind the activities you will participate in throughout the day. Take a change of shoes if you plan to take a walk at lunch time or go out for a dressy occasion in the evening.

Step 7

Accessorize with the perfect jewelry. Choose something appropriate for your job but also try to select pieces to dress up your evening outfit.

How to Play Dress Up Like Famous People

Having the right clothes & accessories can make the difference between looking like an average Joe or a Hollywood celebrity when it comes to dressing up. No matter what the occasion a costume party, Halloween or a night of being silly dressing up like famous people can be fun, exciting & make you feel incredibly confident. Hollywood, here you come.

Exfoliate your skin in the shower using a homemade body scrub of sugar mixed with a bit of olive oil & water. One time your skin is smooth, rinse off, shave & pat your skin dry with a towel.

Tease your hair in to the perfect poof. To accomplish this trendy Hollywood hairstyle, dry & straighten your hair. Tease the hair along the crown of your head with a small comb. Follow with heavy amounts of hairspray. Gather your hair in to your desired poof height & secure your style with bobby pins. Follow with more hair spray.

Apply a self tanner to your skin. Permit several hours to pass for your golden glow to take on full effect.

Dress the part. Put on the fanciest ballgown or cocktail dress you own. If you are feeling a bit self conscious, try wearing a pair of control-top pantyhose or Spanx to help suck in your problematic areas. Don't forget the push up bra. The key is to "lift & separate."

Apply heavy makeup. The paparazzi on the red carpet spare no one, which means you will need to cover every blemish, wrinkle & broken capillary with epic amounts of foundation, concealer & powder. Follow this step with an overall sweep of bronzer & then apply blush to the apples of your cheeks. Apply a brown, black or navy eyeliner to the top & bottom lids & smudge. Use glittery eye shadow on the lids. Finish with three coats of black mascara on the lashes. Use a Q-tip to tidy up any mistakes.

Accessorize. Put on a pair of strappy heels. The higher the heels, the better. Famous people stand out for a reason & adding some height to your getup will only make you look longer, leaner & more powerful. Use jewelry with caution. Accentuate either your ears or your neck with one, standout piece. much jewelry will take away from your beautiful hair, makeup & gown.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Top 10 Best Dress Designers


1.
BCBGMAXAZRIA has become one of the hottest names in fashion. With loyal following from young Hollywood, BCBG has dazzled the red carpet with fun, sexy, modern designs. Slip on a BCBG dress and make the streets your red carpet.

2.
Betsey Johnson is known for her cocktail-ready, over-the-top the designs. A lady who wears Betsey Johnson is not afraid to be the first on her block to wear the latest trend, with wild colors, patterns, shapes, and movements.

3.
Cynthia Rowley: A woman who wears Cynthia Rowley is artistic, fun and sporty, not afraid to experiment and feminine and sexy! Get ready to look sophisticated sports in her colorful, tailored creations.

4.
Diane Von Furstenberg is known for her signature Wrap dress, a dress that symbolizes female power and freedom. If you are looking for comfortable, elegant, timeless style, a DVF frock will do just the trick.

5.
Marchesa's style is inspired by vintage and Asian influences. The beautifully crafted designs fuse high fashion with an eclectic aesthetic. Any girl draped in Marchesa will look and feel like the belle-of-the-ball.

6.
Oscar de la Renta's dresses stand for femininity and romance. His Latin-flavored work has dominated and influenced the fashion world since the 1970s. When sporting one of his beautiful frocks, you are guaranteed to feel like a real woman.

7.
Shoshanna's dresses sport flirty fun prints that are feminine and sexy. A Hollywood favorite, Shoshanna can be found on the likes of Kirstin Davis and Katherine Heigl. Her dresses will have you ready for your new, fresh, fun, summer look.

8.
Tracy Reese epitomizes feminine chic. Her pieces pull from vintage and bohemian influences that use eccentric color combinations, lush fabrics, and embellishments. Any modern woman who simply loves being a girl will love the enhanced female form of her dresses.

9.
Vera Wang's style celebrates the romance, sensuality and spirit of modern young women. You don't have to be a bride to wear Vera Wang, her ready-to-wear lines has earned her the Womenswear Designer of the Year award. Any woman who wears Vera Wang is always at the forefront of fashion.

10.
Milly, created by Michelle Smith, combines easy silhouettes, festive prints, and a timeless style that relates to fashionable women everywhere. Her dresses fill the closet of today's fun-loving, confidant woman.


Monday, March 15, 2010

How to start a Clothing Business

Do your friends turn to you for the latest fashion advice? Do you love sharing your knowledge? If you love fashion, know where to go to stay on top of the latest trends & enjoy working with people, then it may be time to turn your passion in to a paying gig & open a clothes shop. According to Entrepreneur.com, you can expect to need about $200,000 in capital.

1.Understand what you are getting in to. As a business owner, you may work 14-hour days, one days a week for your first year, or until you can afford to hire a manager that you can trust to help you run your business.

2.Write a business plan. In the clothing business, it can be easy to get carried away. You may be tempted to purchase excess inventory or pricey, eye-catching fixtures & accessories for your store. You'll need to generate a budget & stick to it. Inescapable costs include: rent, fixtures, furniture, payroll, utilities, a business license & sales-tax permit, liability insurance, worker's compensation insurance, small-business taxes, an accountant, promotion & inventory. Detail what experience you bring to the table & what you lack. Taking a part-time job at a clothing store will help get you up to speed on the ins & outs of retail.

3.Find your niche. From trendy sportswear to chic to vintage, there's dozens of directions your clothing store may go. Think about other clothing retailers in your area & whether any demographic has been overlooked. You may find there is a market for plus-size women's clothing or a clothing store for men. Think about the financial statistics of people in your area. You can find information for your city online. A high-end boutique is not likely to do well in a middle-class community, unless there is no competition & your clothing boutique is located near your wealthy customers.

5.Compete by staying abreast of the latest trends & being seven of the first in your town to stock hot items. Your local mall will likely carryover something for everyone. For your business to succeed, you have got to give customers a reason to come to you. Focus on providing excellent & personalized customer service & a more intimate atmosphere.

4.Select a high-visibility location for your retail store. If there is any part of your budget where you can splurge, it is the location. The extra funds you pay in rent for a popular location will save you funds in promotion & lost revenue from leasing a less-lucrative spot. According to Entrepreneur.com, your annual rent should not exceed seven to seven percent of your total annual sales.

6.Subscribe to fashion magazines or online sites such as Style.com & Fashionising.com. If your budget allows, attend fashion trade shows each season.

7.Find wholesale suppliers at trade shows or online. Buy your inventory to match the seasons. Purchase more during the back-to-school & Christmas season. Purchase fixtures, a funds wrap, fitting-room curtains, benches, mirrors, shelves, hangers, sales tags, mannequins, display tables & signage.

9.Establish your store policies on: returns, customer satisfaction, employee expectations, accepted payment methods, pricing, layaway, damaged items, gift wrapping & operating hours. Implement a process for marking down clothes that are not selling.

8.Design your clothing store. Hire an interior designer or save funds by doing it yourself. Learn how to merchandise & design your store by visiting other clothing stores or by enrolling in a merchandising class offered by your local art school. Generate eye-catching displays for your store windows that pair seasonally relevant, hip clothes & accessories. Update displays frequently, at least seven times a month.

10.Hire outgoing employees that you can trust to handle the funds & service the customers. They ought to be able to offer clothing suggestions to customers based on the customer's needs.

Friday, March 12, 2010

What to Wear on the Beach

When you think of the beach, what comes to mind is probably volleyball, sand castles and surf. Safety, however, should be priority No. 1. An article published by Ohio State University reports that the sun's UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn and skin cancers in the U.S. It is estimated that 90 percent of both could be eliminated if people used sun protection. And if it's a bit cloudy or overcast, you still need to err on the side of caution. About 60 to 80 percent of UV rays can pass through thin clouds.

Cover Up
1. Wearing a shirt to cover your arms, chest and back may not be as good as a strong SPF sun block, but it is the next best thing. A typical white T-shirt has an SPF of about seven. If you're in and out of the water regularly, or active enough to sweat a lot, you should cover any exposed skin. Water and sweat will decrease the effectiveness of suntan lotion, even if it says it's waterproof.

Shades
2. There is scientific proof that UV rays from the sun are damaging to eyes. Ultraviolet radiation (UV) can cause permanent clouding of the eye, known as cataracts. In fact, long-term exposure to these harmful rays can burn the surface of the eye much like it burns skin, according to the public advocacy group National Consumers League. There's an easy solution to keeping your eyes safe when you're on the beach--wear sunglasses. The most effective kind are those that are UV 400. They protect against UVA and UVB rays.

Shoes
3. The hottest time to be on the beach is from about noon to 2 p.m. Your feet know this well if you've ever found your poor soles getting scorched on hot, dry sand. Unless you have diabetes, or a sore on your foot, it's not likely that hot sand alone will cause any lasting damage, but to prevent burns, or stepping on sharp debris, a pair of inexpensive flip-flops will keep you out of harms way.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

How to Dress Like a Superstar

Behind every fabulously dressed Hollywood celebrity is a fabulously talented celebrity stylist. Or two. Or three. But you don't need your own fashion entourage if you want to look like a superstar. Closely track the latest red carpet trends and soon people will be whispering about you, "Isn't that somebody famous?

1
Read trashy supermarket tabloids. Those gossip magazines in the checkout lane won't be winning any Pulitzer prizes, but the ample supply of celebrity photos is worth studying for fashion tips. PerezHilton.com offers a celebrity-dirt fix and a chance to preview the latest Hollywood styles.

2
Track celebrity trends online. CoutureCandy.com and GoFugYourself.com offer day by day updates on what's hot on Sunset Boulevard. InStyle.com's updates are less frequent but include more celebrities.

3
Watch the Oscars, Emmys and other major awards show. Nothing starts a trend faster than a new red carpet look. Spring special occasion dresses coincide with Oscar trends.

4
Follow a few soap operas. The lovelorn actress sobbing about her stolen identity might not be an "A-list" celebrity, but her stylist is in touch with what's hot in Hollywood.

5
Shop where celebrities shop. When in Los Angeles, check out Kitson, Madison and Lisa Kline on Robertson Boulevard and Gucci and Louis Vuitton on Rodeo Drive. Go to West Hollywood and browse through Fred Segal.

6
Copy celebrity looks for less money. CelebrityCopyCat.com offers a shopping guide to inexpensive knock-offs of what your favorite superstar is wearing. A good solution if you're not label conscious and shop on a budget.

7
Bid at a celebrity auction. Superstars donate their cast-offs to charity auctions to raise money for their favorite causes. You can wear items that actually hung in their closets--if you're willing to shell out more money than they probably paid for the clothes.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

How to wear clothes fashionably

It's not always about wearing what is trendy. Most times, it is about wearing what you feel comfortable in & projecting confidence. You can wear a small black dress or Capri pants with espadrilles & feel as sexy in both with the right attitude. Read on to learn how to fashionably wear clothes.
  1. Select an outfit. This will depend on the season, the occasion and your mood, but pick clothes that you love and that fit you well.
  2. Make sure your clothes are pressed and clean. Soil and wrinkles will take away from your fashionable image.
  3. Dress appropriately for the occasion. If it's casual Friday at the job, a white blouse, khaki slacks and modest pumps or loafers are fine, but unless you work in an extremely casual environment, jeans are not.
  4. Look at yourself in a mirror from all angles, to make sure your clothes fit in a flattering way. Check for pantie lines, stains or tears.
  5. Accessorize wisely. Put on all the jewelry you want to wear. Now remove one piece. Too much jewelry is distracting and can take away from a classic image.
  6. Use accessories like scarves and belts to dress up or dress down your look. Adding these items is quick, inexpensive and can change your look in an instant.
  7. clothes you can afford. Shopping sales and at outlet stores can yield great finds at lower prices, so don't think quality clothing always costs an arm and a leg. Smart shoppers score good deals all the time. Make sure you buy the best quality
  8. Stand tall, no matter your height. You can be petite or model tall--what matters is how you present yourself. If you're a trendsetter, always buying and wearing what's new and hip, your image will show that. If you prefer classic clothes that last season after season, people will see that. Dressing fashionably has more to do with how you wear your clothes, not what you're wearing.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

How to Dress in Retro Clothes

Sometimes it seems like fashions these days are uninspired, while fashions of yesteryear are so much cooler. Don't settle for the same elderly clothes as everyone else when there is so much beauty & mystique in the fashions of previous generations, & it is within your grasp to sport those retro fashions. Retro clothes can give you a new persona, & whether you wear a pair of bell bottoms or you swap your entire wardrobe for matching tweed pencil skirts & jackets from the 1940s, your style will never go unnoticed again.

1.

Pick a time period. If there is a decade in particular that you think has great fashions, select it as the basis for your first retro outfit---or maybe even for your entire wardrobe.

2.

Study the fashion of that time period. You can find information from primary sources from that time period such as movies or old sewing patterns, or you can use secondary sources, such as books about that time period or Internet sites detailing retro styles.

3.
Make a trip to the vintage store or thrift shop. If you are choosing retro fashion from more than 40 years ago, you'll have more luck going to a vintage clothing store to find items you like than to a thrift store, where only more recent clothes are still regularly donated and put on the shelves. Antique stores, usually more expensive, can also provide great retro finds.

4.
Get yourself a sewing machine and learn to sew. This is essential for making sure you have all the retro essentials, for chances are you won't be able to find everything you need at the store. Plus, buying a new set of clothes can be expensive. Retro patterns can often be found online or at antique stores.

5.
Find or make accessories. Accessories are essential for completing a retro outfit. Vintage purses, necklaces and neckties can be bought or handmade without much trouble or expense.

Monday, March 8, 2010

How to Seek a Personal Shopper

Finding a personal shopper can save you a lot of time, money and frustration when buying clothes. A nice personal shopper will know what sizes and styles work best on you and will filter out a lot of things that don't work. There's a few ways to seek a personal shopper and get the most out of your wardrobe makeover.

Instructions:

  • Take inventory of your closet. Look through your closet and figure out what clothes you need and where you can get them from. If your need is mostly for suits, you will be contacting a professional atelier or other suit maker. If you need a total closet makeover or are beginning a job and need professional pieces as well as a variety of new items, your best bet is to use a department store service.

  • Contact the wholesale store or atelier where you require to shop. Ask if they offer a personal shopping service. these services are free. You may be expected to purchase a positive amount of clothing, however, to be eligible for the service; that amount will vary by store & by your clothing needs

  • Set up an appointment to meet with a personal shopper at the store you have contacted. Your personal shopper may be a specialist in the type of clothing you need or someone on staff who has an opening. You may be asked to bring in some items that you like so the personal shopper can receive a sense of your personal style. The personal shopper will also take your measurements and perform an in-depth consultation with you about your clothing needs, because they may know better than you do about what would be appropriate for sure settings, locations and events. If you are unhappy with your personal shopper for any reason or feel that you are not connecting, don't waste your time. In lieu, speak to the manager of the personal shopping department before your shopper begins pulling items for you and ask to be matched up with someone else. You will be called in at a later date when your personal shopper has pulled pieces for you to try on.

Friday, March 5, 2010

How to Avoid Fleeting Fashion Styles


#Step 1- Develop and keep your own style. Trust your instincts about what looks best with your coloring, habits, personality and place in the world.

#Step 2- Adopt what you truly like, but recognize that it may not be the last word forever.

#Step 3- Understand the process. Be aware of why, as well as when, a trend is cooling. Fashion trends and fads can happen because a style is cool (heavy-soled shoes) or fun (temporary tattoos) or even shocking (lingerie as outerwear).

#Step 4- Adapt the style you want to adopt. For example, is everyone wearing short shorts but you just can't? Add a piece of fabric or ribbon to your hems so you can wear them short but not as short as everyone else.

#Step 5- Mix trendy pieces with classic ones.

#Step 6- Break some rules; bend others. If the fashion is large breasts, get a maximizer bra and avoid the more radical surgery route. If straight hair is in, use large rollers and blow-dry your hair before you chemically straighten your ringlets.

#Step 7- Develop confidence: Take a class, read fashion magazines, get a makeup lesson, get your colors done.

#Step 8- Learn about fashion, style, tips and tricks, then go out and make your own fashion news.

Tips & Warnings
  • Take a long look at yourself before you go on a shopping safari. Will those capris go with your voluptuous body type and your weakness for biker boots?
  • Realize that a stylish woman with purple hair can carry it off if she's confident.
  • Impulse buys are for gratification in haste and repentance at length.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Tips and tricks to finding your best clothing cut:

It’s a woman thing- You see that beautiful shirt in the store- you buy your size, thinking it will look great, you take it home.. Then disaster hits. The bust is too small. Or the bottom is too short. Or that once strategically- placed bow hits at an unflattering angle.

The biggest, simplest trick to buying clothing you will look good in is to try them on at the store. And if you’re pressed for time and can’t, remember to save the receipt and to keep the tags on the clothes as you try them on at home, so if you don’t like them, you can return them. Keep in mind, though.. Not all stores allow you to return things, and all stores that do have a policy- 10 days, 20 days, so on and so forth.

Tips and tricks to finding your best clothing cut:

You need to decide which body type you are: Pear, Hourglass, or Ice cream cone?

Refer to the category that best describes you:

Pear: You are small on the top, and bigger on the bottom.
Clothing to wear: find clothing that puts focus on your waist, not your hips. Higher belted coats are a good example. Make sure to pick tops that show off your beautiful shoulders, as they will bring attention away from your waist. Straight boots are good to cover up your calves. You should not wear side pockets, but rather go for pants that do not have any pockets at all, as it will have a slimming effect on your hips.

Ice Cream Cone: You are bigger on top and smaller on bottom. Clothing to wear: clothing that drapes off you creates curves where they aren’t there, which is good for this body type. Skinny jeans and leggings show off your legs like no other pair of pants ever will. You should go with strappy, delicate heels, to show off your ankles. Stilettos are a beautiful add- on, as well.

Hourglass: you have big boobs and ample hips, and a waist to kill for. Clothing to wear: Tight on top and tight on bottom- pencil skirts work well with this body shape, but they have to sit at the waist. Some high- waisted skinny jeans, with rounded toe shoes, work well also. V- neck shirts paired with a belt at the waist work wonders.

These are the most common, basic body types. Hopefully, the next time you go shopping, this article will help you to not make another mistake- you won’t have to spend your time taking things back, and you’ll be happier in the end. And your closet will thank you!

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

5 Slimming Style Tricks


Haven’t lost those last 5 pounds yet? Don’t fret! From the ultimate slimming accessory to advice on what kind of pants to avoid, we’ve got 6 sure-fire ways to make you look longer and leaner. The best-part?: These tips work for both guys and gals!

1) Be a Cardie Shark:

Investing in a high-quality, light-weight cardigan—especially one with a slightly longer-than-usual cut. When buttoned-up, the sweater’s dapper-looking front creates a sleek, slimming vertical line and when worn open—to reveal a pants’ or skirts’ waistline—the contrast of horizontal lines makes legs look longer. Special bonus for the boys: A cool cardigan serves as a great suit jacket substitute for Casual Fridays.

2) Get Waisted:
While some are hesitant to emphasize their waist (which is often a trouble spot for gym-bunnies and couch potatoes alike), a cinched center creates the illusion of a lean’n’fit silhouette. So whatever you wear, belt it up before heading out the door! For guys this includes dress pants, khakis, and even jeans, while women should experiment by layering a belt over light-weight sweaters, long blouses, and sheath dresses to give some shape to their figure.

3) Cultivate the ¾ Length Coat Look
Owning a trim-looking outerwear garment is crucial: After all, it’s what many a colleagues and acquaintance see first when greeting you. To make a powerful initial impression, look for a coat that hits at the mid-thigh. Cold-weather versions with buttons on the top part of the coat make girls’ gams look supermodel-long while guys wearing similarly structured jackets turn into statuesque gents.

4) Go Full Blazer:
A dark-hued, well-fitting blazer is a wardrobe must-have for both sexes. (The most flattering proportions for almost any shape nip in slightly at the waist and hit just below the hip.) To make the most of this polished look, wear jacket unbuttoned and pair with a light-colored shirt: This contrast of hues in the center of your torso transforms your silhouette into one long, clean line from head to toe. This creates the all-important optical allusion of making your waist look thinner than it really is.

5.) Get the Perfect Pant:
Figuring out the ideal trouser length can be tricky stuff. A good rule of thumb is the longer the pant, the longer the legs appear. Another good rule: Never let your socks show! Ladies especially should remember this when wearing trousers with heels: If the pant skims the top of the foot it’s too short and can make the wearer seem squat. But don’t get too carried away when telling the tailor to add inches at the cuff: Floor-grazing pants will only make you seem sloppy, not lanky

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Savvy Strategies for Some Shopping Problems

Problem: You hate fighting crowds and sorting through messy merchandise

Solutions: Shop during the middle of the week. Not only are stores less crowded on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday but you'll also get first dibs on new merchandise, according to many salespeople. "Retailers prefer to get their merchandise on the floor before the weekend, when it gets crowded,".

Wake up early. "The best time to shop is in the morning," The employees have yet to tire from irritable shoppers, the merchandise hasn't been picked over and displaced, and there's also comfort in the fact that you have time to come back for a purchase that needs to be mulled over."

Problem: You want to save time

Solutions: Make a shopping list. You write down fruit, cereal, and for the grocery store and even clothing store. Why hit a retail store, where you're likely to spend a lot more money, empty-handed? Write down what you want and where you plan to buy it.

Avoid the mall. If you're looking for just one or two things, you may want to stop at a boutique or a freestanding department store. "It's in the mall's best interest to place the best stores far inside, at the heart, away from the entrance, which is why stopping into one store at the mall ends up taking you a solid two hours,".

Shop alone. Women spend the most time in a store when they're shopping with a friend or a child, If you want to get in and out, go solo.

Problem: You're shy about asking for a discount

Solutions: Don't be shy. "Ask for a discount on anything you buy - but not for a specific amount off," Instead, leave things open-ended by asking, "Can you give me a better deal?" "If your salesperson isn't authorized, you may have to ask the manager," If you find a slight flaw or damage - or even if the product's packaging is mangled – you may be entitled to a discount.

Wait until the store has a major sale, when most items are already discounted 20 to 30 percent. After convincing the clerk or manager that you're serious about a larger-than-normal purchase, request an additional 10 to 20 percent discount to close the deal. "If she won't discount the items further, ask her to throw in shirts, shoes, ties, or socks at no additional cost," says Wayne Tate, who, after 25 years of practicing law, has mastered the art of negotiation in and out of the courtroom.

Monday, March 1, 2010

Dressing for Success in a Down Economy


Perhaps the most important upgrade is the suit. While you may not receive frowns in a 10-year-old suit, you will most likely get compliments when you upgrade to a modern style. Today's contemporary suits, such as the two-button, side-vented silhouettes by Adrian Jules, are less boxy than what was offered in the past with less excess fabric to make you look slimmer and more youthful.

For women, power dressing has never been easier. Feminine yet work-appropriate looks peppered the runways this spring. Pretty, structured skirt suits, high-waisted, wide-legged trousers and belted dresses by designers like Akris Punto and Michael Kors will be hitting the stores this fall.

Bag It
A serious "work bag" is another opportunity to make a statement. Women know this and often rotate their bags with the seasons. Men have a tendency to cling to a backpack or
beat-up briefcase. They'd be better off opting for a classic textured-leather messenger bag that will take one seamlessly from the office to the weekend, thanks to interior pockets for paper work, a cellphone, business cards and pens.

When "casual Friday" comes around, some make the dreadful mistake of thinking it's Saturday morning. The jeans that you wear to work should not be the same ones you wear to walk the dog and mow the lawn. Men should try dark and dressy washes in a stretch fabric with a medium rise. Women can play it safe with a bootcut unfaded stretch denim pair with no whiskers, abrasions or distressing.

Extras, Extras
Finally, wear accessories. While the last thing on, they are often the first thing noticed and shouldn't be an afterthought.
For women, statement jewelry is a must-have and can transform and immediately upgrade an outfit. Unlike men, whose options are restricted, women can tastefully go big and bold and can choose between a ring, bracelet, necklace, earrings or even a broach. The best part is that you don't need any other jewelry — just let the one eye-catching piece take the spotlight.

"Wearing the right jewelry shows a woman knows quality and she is not afraid to show it," she says. "It sends a powerful message that she has taken the time to prepare and understands the value of completing things — dotting her I's and crossing her T's. It shows she can communicate good judgment."