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Kristen Dunst

How to Dress Like Kristen Dunst

Kristen Dunst

Ever since her role as Claudia in Interview with a Vampire, Kristen Dunst has been blazing a trail in the movies that eventually lead all the way to becoming Spider Man’s girlfriend. She is a brilliant actress but has found herself on both sides of the fashion fence being on many Hollywood best dressed lists as well as many worst dressed lists. Her style of dressing is an achievable one if you are not afraid to let your awkward side show now and then.

Dunst may be quirky at times, but she also has the ability to dress to impress when hitting the red carpet. Here are some tips to get you a bit closer to the Dunst look:

•    Dark Colors: Dunst is often dressed from head to toe in all black. She can be spotted in black pants with a nice black shirt or even a black dress. When choosing your black garments go for form fitting but don’t go too tight. For shoes you can go with anything black.

•    Ultra casual: At times you can catch Dunst wearing what most of America wears. It is not uncommon to see her strolling down the street in blue jeans, a t-shirt and a baseball cap. Try to match the cap to the shirt and make sure that the jeans are a loose fit; the main thing with this look is to be comfortable. Dunst tends to look very frumpy when she is just out and about so you shouldn’t feel like you have to be dressed to impress to be able to pull off this look. For shoes here you can simply go with a nice cozy pair of sneakers.

•    Go formal and flowing: When Dunst hits the red carpet she is almost always wearing a long and flowing gown made of light weight materials. Go with a darker color here as Dunst shows up in anything from gold to beige to black. Your shoes should be high heels that match your dress color and your accessories should consist of little more than a bracelet, necklace, and some modest earrings.

•    Accessories: Dunst loves to carry designer hand bags. If you can’t afford designer go with a close looking knock off and feel free to go either big or small as Dunst has done both. Dunst like to be creative when she accessories so go wild here. She has been seen in flapper style head bands, scarves, and even suspenders.

•    Hair and make-up: Dunst obviously does her hair and make-up when she is on the red carpet, but her make-up is always on the lighter side and she comes off looking very natural. Her hair is usually left down and done in a very simplistic way. If you want to pull off the hair look totally, wear it down, sweep it to the side and get a barrette to finish off the look.

Now just flash a smile as nice as Dunst’s and you will be ready to set the world on fire dressed like Kristen Dunst.

Underwear

When Thongs are Wrong – Underwear Alternatives that aren’t Granny Panties

Underwear

There are many times in a woman’s life when she may want to wear a pair of thong underwear as that is what she is used to, but a certain situation dictates otherwise. Perhaps it is inappropriate at her place of work, her place or worship, or maybe her child’s school. Whatever the case may be there are times when a thong is wrong, but what are some underwear alternatives for women that aren’t granny panties?

Just because you can’t wear a thong doesn’t mean you have to go with the fluffy white cotton granny panties. In fact there are so many alternatives these days that you never have to wear granny panties again if you don’t want too. Here are some alternatives to wearing your thong:

•    Bikini: You can always go with a nice pair of bikini panties as an alternative to a thong. Bikini panties are made to ride on the hips and fit in a snug fashion so they won’t bunch up like the traditional granny panties do. Bikini panties can be very comfortable as they will fit you, as the name implies, like your bikini bottoms would. You can even go with a string bikini cut which still sits on the hips but the sides of the panties are reduced to a string. This decreases the chance of panty lines appearing on the sides and tends to fit and feel more like a thong.

•    Hipsters:
Hipsters obviously rest on your hips and are another great alternative to thongs. They tend to cover the hips a bit more than the bikini panties do and there is also a little more coverage in the rear. The only drawback to so much coverage is an increased chance of seeing panty lines. You also have the dreaded riding up of the panties that can occur which leads to the ever embarrassing wedgey pick.

•    Boyshorts:
Boyshorts are a great alternative to a thong and are usually a bit more comfortable as opposed to the hipsters and bikini panties. Boyshorts sort of resemble men’s briefs but are meant to fit snuggly and offer great coverage in the rear without the hassle of riding up.

•    Cheekees:
Similar to boyshorts in that they offer great coverage in the rear they are called cheekees for a reason. Usually cheekees are not as snug fitting as boyshorts and because the cut is different, cheekees tend to let, well, your cheeks begin to show.

•    Commando:
Another alternative to wearing a thong is wearing nothing at all or ‘going commando’ as they say. While it is an alternative and you certainly won’t have to worry about panty lines, if a thong is inappropriate for an occasion, then going commando would be a cardinal sin.

Just because a thong is not in order it doesn’t mean that you can’t still wear a comfortable pair of panties. With all the options that are available these days, the death of the every hated granny panties are only a matter of time.

Anchorage

What To Wear in Anchorage

Anchorage

Anchorage is the biggest city in the United States’ most northern and coldest state, Alaska. Its citizens make up over 40% of the state’s population. This beautiful city offers amazing scenery, parks, wildlife and outdoor activities that are unparalleled in many other parts of the country. Anchorage is considered to have a sub arctic climate, which can be witnessed by its long winters and short summers. Winter days are very short and very cold with the sun appearing very little, while summer days are characterized by very little darkness and a cool temperature.

Visiting Anchorage during their very long winter definitely requires preparation. Heavy winter coats are a must. Thermal gloves or mittens, hats, scarves and lined winter boots are also necessary. In fact the temperature can get so low that winter clothes that would prove to be fine in many other places does little to protect you from the cold. If you live in the Southern portion of the United States and are planning a winter expedition to Alaska, be prepared to purchase outerwear that may be hard to find in your part of the country.

Visiting Anchorage in summer for most people will require fall or spring outfits. For Southerners, summer in Anchorage means wearing winter in the south clothes. Long pants and shirts, light jackets and even a warm sweater for chilly days and nights are ideal. There is very little occasion for tank tops, shorts, swimsuits (unless your hotel has a pool) or flip flops. That is not to say that you won’t see Alaskan residents wearing such things but if you are unfamiliar with such tepid summer temperatures, chances are you won’t be comfortable scantily dressed in 60 degree weather.

Much of the attraction of visiting Alaska is exploring the unique geography of the area. In order to do so it is important to wear appropriate footwear, such as newer lightweight hiking shoes or good sturdy sneakers. Wear several layers of clothing, including a synthetic layer closest to the skin to keep you dry, comfortable and warm. A waterproof exterior layer is also a very good choice. A hat and sunglasses are very important, especially during the long periods of daylight in the summer. Wear sunscreen to protect your skin also.

Even though Anchorage is a city, due to the temperature and the lifestyle in Alaska, high fashion is not commonly seen. It is much more important for people to dress according to the temperature than to be on the cutting edge of fashion. The predominance of outdoor activities like fishing, hunting and hiking that people spend their free time doing are not typically activities that one tends to dress up for. Casual dress for both men and women is acceptable. Jeans and a sweater can take you most places. Business casual is the norm for most work environments, however be sure to check how a company defines business casual before showing up overdressed or even worse, underdressed.

No matter when you go to Anchorage, you can be sure that you will need some warm clothes, how warm exactly will depend on the season. Relax and forget about fashion while you enjoy the unspoiled nature around Anchorage.

Halle Berry

How to Dress like Halle Berry

Halle Berry

When it comes to looking great on every occasion, Halle Berry fits the bill. This is probably because this actress is a former model and former Miss Ohio Beauty Queen. Berry has taken all that she has learned early on and transcended it into a sexy yet simple fashion that few can rival. Her look is not hard to achieve and for that reason many women try their best to dress like Halle Berry.

Here are some sure fire ways to help you achieve the Halle Berry look:

•    Tops: When choosing tops, go with blouses that sport hot details like animal prints. These blouses should be made of a fine fabric and if you want to be like berry, they should also be flowing. Don’t be afraid to show a little cleavage here as Berry often does, just do it in the same tasteful way that she does. Solid colors should be neutral. Colors like browns, pinks, black, and peaches are often seen on Berry and compliment her skin tone very nicely.

•    Pants: Here you can go with anything from jeans to leather pants or anything in between as Berry has been seen in everything. She always wears form fitting but never goes to tight. When you pick out your pants, make sure that they are a comfortable fit but that you can still breathe in them. Here again, Berry has the knowhow to come off looking casual and stunning all at the same time.

•    Shoes:
Berry has been seen in anything from sneakers to ankle boots and even high heels. The color of the shoes should generally match what you are wearing, but really in this department, anything that is tasteful goes.

•    Accessories:
Berry always wears sunglasses when out and about. Choose sunglasses that have a tint of color rather than solid dark black. Berry’s favorite tint is rose colored and she is often seen wearing these style of sunglasses. When it comes to jewelry go simple. Berry never goes gaudy or big and instead stays with the simplest of things like small diamond studded earrings and simple, non-flashy rings and bracelets.

•    Fancy wear:
When the red carpet calls, Berry always answers by wearing soft luxurious gowns that are long and flowing. Again, to emulate Berry choose neutral colors and show a bit of tasteful cleavage.  Finish off the look with a nice pair of solid color high heels with an open toe and when you accessorize, remember to go simplistic.

•    Hair and make-up: Berry used to have her hair cut short and cute, but has since let it grow out and extenuates the length with sexy curls. If you have short hair style it as fashionable as possible and try to give it some lift as Berry did. If you have long hair stay on the simplistic side and give it some curl for the full effect. Like almost everything else on Berry, her make-up is not over-done and stays on the simple side.

Halle Berry is a perfect example that you can look sexy and elegant at the same time. Practice her simple methods of dressing and you too can achieve this look.

Strength training shoes

Guide to Strength Training Shoes

Strength training shoes

If you’ve ever seen a pair of strength or calf training shoes then you have seen something that looks like it comes straight from outer space. The shoes look totally non-functional and have a higher front platform that goes from the toe to about the middle of the arch of the foot. The shoes are definitely not something you would want to wear for a night out on the town and they really look like they would be the most uncomfortable things in the world to wear. But if you are an athlete, you may find them invaluable.

More and more professional athletes are coming forward and giving their stamp of approval for these high tech wonders. Why? According to these athletes and the makers of the shoes, training in strength building shoes can increase all sorts of aspects of your athletic ability.

Here’s how they work. When you stand you are normally putting up to two thirds of your entire body weight on your heels. With the raised frontal platform of the strength building shoes, this is impossible and you have to rely on your calf muscles and Achilles tendons to bear the extra load. This in turn actually overloads them and when used properly over time the muscles will build and the tendons will stretch.

Here are some of the things that strength building shoes can help you to achieve:

•    Speed: By increasing lower leg strength these shoes can have you running considerably faster. Some athletes report a drop off of up to two tenths of a second in the 40-yard dash. Now to the layman that may not sound like a lot, but to the athlete that can mean the difference of making the team or being cut.

•    Jumping: By properly training with these types of shoes it is not unusual for you to gain up to 10 inches on your vertical jump. Think about that for a second. That’s almost an entire foot. That can mean a great deal to someone who is playing basketball and needs to jump as high as possible.

•    Flexibility: The increase in lower leg flexibility will help you to avoid some of the most common injuries in sports.

Strength training shoes are not just popular among professional athletes anymore and more and more you can see college teams employing the use of these shoes to help improve their teams overall success. These types of shoes can be effective for almost any athlete regardless of their sport and have been seen in training with football teams, soccer teams, baseball teams, and basketball teams.

The price you will pay will depend on the brand but you can expect to pay $125 or more for these training shoes. Are they worth it? They definitely will help you to improve your game, no matter what it is, but you have to be sure that you are using the shoes the right way. Most companies that sell the shoes also provide helpful tips and training DVDs. But if you buy the shoes without any tips or DVDs to go along with them, just be sure to research on your own the proper way to use them and then enjoy your increased athletic abilities.

How to Dress Like a Skater Girl

First there was Gwen Stefani and then later on there was Avril Lavigine. While neither gets full credit for the look there is no denying that these two music icons gave new life to the skater girl look and it has been gaining momentum ever since. The look sort of incorporates a wide variety of fashion and mixes punk, skater, and surfer all together in one convenient look. If you want to dress like a skater girl you need to be ready for plenty of looks as the fashion statements of these skater chicks is very outlandish at times. Still it can be a fun way to go through the day.

To pull off the skater girl look, bring plenty of attitude and follow these tips:

•    Pants: To pull off the skater girl look you only need to buy one type of pants – cargo. Baggy is the word here and if they are a little bit too long, that just adds to the look. These days it is not unusual to see some skater girls wearing skinny jeans but if you decide to go with this look, be sure you can pull it off. Skinny jeans usually look off unless you are skinny to begin with. On the other hand, cargo pants are easy to find and comfy to boot.

•    Skirts: Want to be a skater girl but still keep your feminine side intact? You can go with all kinds of tennis type skirts and compliment them with some wild colored leggings to complete the look. Many skater girls like the black and red checkered ‘school girl’ skirts, but any shorter skirt will do the trick.

•    Shirts: Go nuts here because really anything goes. Tank tops make for a good mix with cargo pants and if you want to go with the skirt option then you can go with a white short sleeved button down shirt.

•    Shoes: Leave the high heels at home and grab some skater shoes. A very popular type of skater girl shoe is the classic Converse high tops. If you are wearing a skirt, you can get really risqué and go for a pair of calf-high black leather boots.

•    Accessories: This too is really wide open. Some skater girls like studded bracelets and others wear vests and even men’s ties that are shorn up loosely. The whole idea behind this look to appear as if you really don’t care how you look. Avoid flashy jewelry as it will definitely clash with the look.

•    Hair and make-up: To look the part of a skater girl, you can’t go all out with your hair. If you have long hair, then part it in the middle and simple let it hang down. If your hair is short you can use some gel to give it some spiky lift for that edgy punk rocker look. When it comes to applying your make-up, go light and go with dark colors. Don’t go all black as that may have you coming off as gothic, but darker colors are definitely key.

Now couple that don’t care look with a don’t care attitude and you will be all set in your quest of being like a skater girl.

Jacksonville

What To Wear In Jacksonville Florida

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is one of the biggest cities in the South. Geographically it is very spread out and while it is on the ocean, one may drive more than a half hour to get from one point in Jacksonville to the beach. Because of this it is not the typical beach town. In fact the city is becoming more and more of a study in contrasts, as there are many different styles and influences in this Northeast Florida city. Big business, a busy downtown, a relaxed beach environment, a small town feel in certain areas, an inner city and wealthy neighborhoods all combine to make up the diversity there.

Where you are in the city and what you are doing will have a huge influence on what you wear in Jacksonville. However one thing is the same citywide. The number one rule of dressing in Jacksonville is layering. Regardless of the season or the occasion, it is important to layer or at least bring an extra layer of clothes with you. In winter, toasty warm days lead to evenings that demand a coat. Brisk winter mornings lead to warm midday sunshine that leaves you too hot if you are wearing the same thing you started the day with. Even in summer, it is important to bring something long-sleeved with you any time you will be inside for an extended period of time because many places have air conditioners running at full capacity when it’s hot outside.

For most of the year, Jacksonville is hot and humid. Therefore your wardrobe should be made up of lightweight fabrics. Even if you are choosing business wear, there are always lightweight options available. It’ll make for much more comfortable days. If you plan to be outside, consider opting for light colored clothes also. It’ll attract less heat than black or other dark colors.

In Jacksonville, winter is short and greatly resembles Indian Summer, for those who are not lucky enough to live in a snow-free zone. You will need a light jacket for a few winter days and for most winter evenings. However, for much of the winter, long sleeved shirts and long pants will keep you comfortably warm. Heavy jackets and winter boots are never needed, much to the pleasure of those who have moved to Jacksonville from colder climates.

For a casual look, shorts and capris are always a hit. You’ll be comfortable in the heat wearing either. In fact, a dressy pair of capris can take you almost anywhere: out to dinner, to work, to church or on a date. When it comes to shorts, where you are going will determine the shorts you wear. Short shorts are great for the beach and some of the open air Jacksonville nightspots, however they are not appropriate for most other places. Long shorts like Bermudas or cargo shorts are much more versatile and can be seen in almost all locales. However, a good portion of businesses still have a no shorts at work rule.

Jacksonville is a very outdoorsy city, with a multitude of parks and beaches that are perfect for playing outside. Casual clothing and lightweight sports clothes are the items of choice for a day outside. In fact, the city overall has a very laid back feeling. Certain restaurants, churches and special events like weddings and charity fundraisers tend to call for dressy outfits, but in most neighborhoods on most days, fashion is very relaxed.

Pretty much anything goes for Jacksonville outfits, as long as it’s not too heavy. Remember that sweater and you’ll be ready for just about anything.

Natalie Portman

How to Dress Like Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman has been an actress since 1994 and has gained much acclaim for her role as Padme in the pre-quill series of the Star Wars saga. Portman is an unbelievable beauty and she looks great no matter what she wears. While she can definitely hang with the best of them on the red carpet, Portman also knows how to dress down but still look great. Even though Portman was not born in the United States, she has an image of the All-American girl and she pulls it off flawlessly.

Women everywhere want to mimic her style and fashion whether it is for being casual or going out for a night on the town. Here are some ways that you too can achieve the look of Natalie Portman:

•    Going casual: When Portman takes the casual route she really commits. She is often seen in some nice jeans and either a cool looking tank top or a regular t-shirt. When you go for this look, be sure to stay with darker blues for the jeans and mix and match the tops with darker colors like reds, browns, and blacks. Be expressive with your t-shirts and don’t be afraid to get ones that have cute sayings on them. One of Portman’s favorite t-shirts that she wears is a play on words form the movie Star Wars. The shirt is a simple black t-shirt that says ‘Stop Wars.’

•    Formal: Portman goes tight and short for these types of occasions. Of course she has the body for it, but she always opts to wear dresses that are either strapless or that at least expose her shoulders. At times she even exposes a tasteful amount of cleavage. Like her casual wear, she tends to stick to reds, blacks, and other darker colors.

•    Shoes: Portman is almost always wearing heels. Sometimes the heels will the open toe type and sometimes they will be closed toe, it just all depends on what outfit she is wearing. Choose your shoes by outfit and of course make sure that the color compliments what you are wearing.

•    Accessories: Portman doesn’t seem to be a big fan of accessories. She is rarely seen wearing any except for a pair of earrings. She does at times wear things in her hair like head bands and scunciis to help hold her hair up on a casual day but other than that there is really nothing.

•    Hair and make-up: Portman is about 50/50 on whether she wears her hair up or down. She always seems to be styling it differently, so just go with a style you are comfortable with and that you know makes you look amazing. Portman pulls of the natural beauty look without any problems and doesn’t generally use a lot of make-up. Be sure to go light with your application and never choose a dark color lipstick as this will ruin the illusion.

Whether you are just hanging out or going out for an evening on the town, dressing like Natalie Portman will always have you looking you absolute best.

Toga

How to Make a Toga

Toga

A toga is essential wear for any college student who is going to attend a Greek Party or a Toga Party. If you have yet to attend a Toga Party you will more than likely attend one, or two, before your college days are over. You know the kind of outfit a toga is if you ever saw the movie Animal House. If you haven’t, don’t worry because a step by step series of instructions follow.

To make a toga you only need a plain white bed sheet that is not the kind with the elastic to fit the bed, twin size usually works best, a few safety pins, and to follow these simple steps:

1.    Before you begin to create your toga you need to make sure that you are wearing the proper undergarments. For ladies, a strapless white tube wop will do the trick and white shorts for your lower half. Guys can get away with only wearing a pair of white shorts. Of course you could always go in the raw underneath your toga but depending on how wild the party gets, that may be a choice you later regret.

2.    Making your toga begins with taking the corner of the bed sheet in one hand and holding it on top of one of your shoulders. You will want to leave approximately six to eight inches to spare.

3.    Drape the sheet across your chest and be sure that it is snug. Now tuck it under the opposite arm.

4.    Adjust the length. Here is where you want to adjust the length if it is too long. You will know if it is as you will be tripping over the sheet. The ideal length for a toga is knee length so what you can do is fold the sheet over a few inches and re-drape it to create a shorter fit. Repeat the process until it is at its ideal length for you.

5.    Wrap the sheet around to your back and then tuck under your arm and come back to the front again.

6.    Now you will see what to do with the other corner of the sheet. From here you take the second corner that will be in back of you and bring it up over your back. Now the two corners can be tied in a knot or they can be fastened with a safety pin or even a broach.

7.    Finish by securing the different layers with safety pins and be sure that the safety pins are hidden and not in plain sight.

8.    Top off the look with a pair of calf high sandals and you can even go as far as making a u-shaped headpiece with leaves and wear that at the party for the truly authentic look.

Now you will be ready to go into the Greek Party looking as good as John Belushi did in Animal house. For those of you that haven’t seen it yet, go rent it, it is a timeless classic and will show you exactly what you have to look forward to.

Push-up bra

How to Decide if a Push-Up Bra is Right for you

Push-up bra

Push-up bras are not just suited for women that have small breasts anymore. Women of all breast shapes and sizes can benefit from push-up bras. A push-up bra can give a much needed lift to sagging breasts and can also create some wanted cleavage for a multitude of breast sizes. For many women, a push-up bra is the perfect solution to give the appearance of fuller, shapelier breasts, without having to go through cosmetic surgery. There are times however when a push-up bra may not be right for you, so how do you know if a push-up bra is the way you want to go?

Many women choose a push-up bra because they want a more flattering side profile or silhouette. In order to create what many consider the most flattering of silhouettes, your nipples should sit half way between your elbow and your shoulder. If your breasts are naturally much lower than this, a push-up bra is the perfect solution.

Many times knowing if a push-up bra is for you or not comes down to overall comfort. If you are wearing a push-up bra it is obviously going to ‘push’ on your breasts. Wearing the wrong type of push-up bra may do you more harm than good. Sure your breasts will receive a lift, but at the expense of your comfort.

The type of push-up bra you need comes down to how well endowed you are:

•    Flat Chest: If you weren’t given much to work with in the first place, then a push-up bra can be a nice way to make due with what you have. In your case, a padded push up bra will not only give your breasts a boost, but it can add to the overall volume appearance. There are even some types of padded push up bras that are filled with air, silicone, or other types of filling that can add an entire cup size.

•    Average Chest:
You may not be looking for added volume, but you may be looking for an added boost. You should go with push-up bras that only have padding in the lower third of the bra cup as this will give the lift you desire without adding any volume.

•    Large Chest:
When it comes to breasts, the bigger they are, the lower they fall. Time and gravity will pull full breast downward and a boost up is great for your confidence as well as your appearance. No need for any padding here, just stick to a supportive contour to get the desired lift you are after. Another consideration for you is to get a push-up bra with padded straps as this will help distribute the weight of your breasts better and keep you more comfortable.

Not sure what you are looking for, you can always go to a pro. There are a number of stores and boutiques that offer a wide range of push-up bra styles. When all else fails, ask one of the sales associates for help.

Just remember, when it comes to push-up bras, comfort is king. There is no reason to have your breast lifted if you are going to be in pain the entire time the push-up bra is on.

Boxers or briefs

The Age Old Question – Boxers or Briefs

Boxers or briefs

It is the timeless question that is asked to so many, ‘boxers or briefs?’ This seems to be a loaded question these days as now there are many different types of underwear that a man can choose from. Today’s underwear world has the likes of:

•    Thongs: Yes for guys too, but really, are you concerned about your ‘panty lines?’
•    Bikini briefs: Again, sounds like it are for the ladies and they really don’t appear to be all that cozy.
•    Edible: If this is your bag, keep it to yourself.

Even though there are several other types of underwear these days, these two styles remain the most popular and which type of underwear you wear can say a lot about you. While it really all comes down to comfort, the following breaks down the main differences between boxers and briefs and what it says about you:

•    Boxers: The old boxer style underwear seems to be the underwear of choice by most men. Not that it is a hard fast rule, but it seems that men that are in their early 20s to mid 30s wear boxers as opposed to briefs. This could be because the women in their lives prefer it them or it may just boil down to peer pressure. Boxers wear more like shorts than they do underwear and it may be this feeling of freedom that sways many of the younger generation to wear them.

•    Briefs: These are also known as tighty-whiteys. As far as men go, these are typically worn by those in their late 30s and beyond. This could be that they are just used to their women and simply don’t care about peer pressure anymore but it is really probably because they are more comfortable for them. Briefs do after all ‘hold’ everything in much better than the boxers do. Briefs have really received a bad rap as the ‘boring’ underwear but many brands these days are anything but white and cotton or boring. They now come in a wide variety of colors and fabrics so if you haven’t considered wearing briefs in a while, you may want to take another look as the times have definitely changed.

•    Boxer briefs: Ah, least you forget about the boxer briefs. If you are on the fence about what type of underwear to get check these out as they offer the best of both worlds. Boxer briefs wear like boxer shorts, but hold like briefs. This type of underwear seems to be preferred by athletes, but with such a variety of colors and styles, they are quickly gaining popularity among all men.

Whatever type of underwear you prefer, you should always make sure to have clean ones with no holes. There is really no excuse to have either boxers or briefs or any other type for that matter that are stained and full of holes. It is also unacceptable if you are a grown man to have underwear featuring super heroes or Sponge Bob, leave those types of Under Roos for the kids, you had your turn.

Again, it all comes down to what is the most comfortable for you. One man’s pain is another man’s pleasure. So which is it, boxers or briefs?

Marilyn Manson

How to Dress Like Marilyn Manson

Marilyn Manson

For years now Marilyn Manson has been creating controversy both on and off the stage. The singer derived his stage mane by combining the names of Marilyn Monroe and Charles Manson and his style of heavy rock combined with some pretty drastic and vulgar lyrics simply adds to his persona and has gained him much media attention. Despite his oddities, he is very popular and his look is one that many wish to achieve.

To dress like Marilyn Manson you have to think one thing only; black. Manson’s way of dressing is as dark and sometimes twisted as the lyrics for some of his songs. Here is how you too can dress like Marylyn Manson:

•    Pants: Manson almost always wears tight black leather pants. Occasionally he will wear a suit to sort of mock the working man, but the pants will still be a dark color. About the lightest color you should ever go when trying to achieve this look is a dark charcoal grey. Still, a surefire way to nail Manson is with black leather pants.

•    Shirts: You have lots of leeway here. So long as the shirt is black, really anything goes. Manson likes to wear regular button down shirts that he leaves un-tucked and sometimes these shirts even sport pin striping. When he wears button down shirts he usually wears a black tie to go with them. Manson has also worn shirts that range from black leather to a woman’s tube top. There really is no way to say for sure as he continues to surprise with every appearance he makes.

•    Jackets: Her you can go with a regular black sports jacket or a black leather jacket. You can even go all out and wear a black trench coat that is of course leather.

•    Shoes: You guessed it, black leather boots. Manson wears his boots no matter what type of outfit accompanies them. His boots typically come up to his calf and he usually tucks in the pants that he wears into the boots.

•    Accessories: Here again you have lots of leeway. Spiked collars and bracelets are always a nice touch and Manson seems to like to wear black derby style hats from time to time. He is big on rings that feature skulls and other such goodies. You can also acquire a pair of contact lenses that make your eyes appear to have no color, just a black dot n the center.

•    Hair and make-up: To properly pull off the Marilyn Manson look you have to go all the way with your hair and yes, you have to put on make-up too. Your hair should be one length and no longer than shoulder length. Color your hair jet black and either slick it back or part it down one side and slick it down. For make-up you have to go for the dead look. Manson uses lots of powder to create a white looking face and then darkens all around his eyes in black. Finish off your make-up with black lipstick and you are ready to go.

All that is left for you is to begin to write some songs that have deep and twisted lyrics and create some controversy of your own all while dressing like Marilyn Manson.

Stoner

How to Dress Like a Stoner

StonerStoner’s are a laid back bunch and dressing like one should be approached in the same manner. While it is not mandatory that a stoner dresses in a laid back fashion it certainly is common. With that fact known, dressing like a stoner is one of the easiest looks to pull off. The fact is that most stoners either have no cares in the world or at least they act as if they have no cares.

Remember these rules are not hard and fast but for the most part, if you want to look the part of a stoner here is what you do:

•    Shirts: When it comes to shirts you need to consider a couple of layers. First you will want to go with an undershirt. This can vary in color and really any color will do. Many stoners choose to go with a classic white t-shirt and still others go for the gusto and wear a tie-die t-shirt. Whatever t-shirt you choose to go with never tuck it in and top it off with a long sleeved flannel shirt. To pull off the look, be sure that you do not button any of the buttons on the flannel but rather let it just hang open. Don’t forget that you want to go for the look that says you really don’t care what you look like because your life is care-free.

•    Pants: Stoners are typically wearing baggy pants. Shorts every once in a while, but for the most part, pants. You can pull off the stoner look with jeans or with cargos, but the looser the better. If your pants happen to have holes wore in the knees or anywhere else on them, well this just adds to the authenticity of the look.

•    Shoes: Obviously if you are attempting to dress like a stoner then you will be leaving the wing-tips at home. Here is where you will want to go with a really cozy and worn out looking pair of sneakers. The color really doesn’t matter and you don’t even have to tie the laces if you don’t want to. If that sounds like too much then you can also just wear a pair of flip flops.

•    Hair: Once again you want to come off saying that you don’t have a care in the world. That is hard to do if you have a prim and proper hair cut. To pull off the stoner look, simply wash your hair and sort of mess it up after towel drying and then let it air dry.

•    Accessories: Very, very low key here. Go with beaded necklaces and simple looking bracelets if you go with anything. Women can carry hemp purses and the look will be all but complete. Also for the women, if you do decide to put make-up on go very light with it and stay away from big bold colors.

Now just practice say ‘whoa’ and ‘dude’ with every other sentence you utter and your look as a stoner will be perfect.

Baseball cap

How to Break in a New Baseball Hat

Baseball cap

Just when you thought you were the number one fan your favorite team up and changes its logo and entire uniform. This leaves you scrambling to the mall or department store to buy a new jersey and of course a new baseball cap sporting the new logo. Once at home you try on your new apparel and look into the mirror. While the jersey looks great, your new baseball cap is so poofy and stiff you look like an old time rail road conductor. With the season fast approaching you want to break in your new baseball cap and you don’t want to wait the weeks to months it can take to break in a baseball cap by simply wearing it everywhere you go.

Fortunately there are some tricks to getting your cap to break in quickly and have the old conductor’s hat fitting like a swimming cap. Here are some tips to help you break in your baseball cap quickly:

•    Rubber band trick: When you first buy your new baseball cap the bill of the hat is usually stiff and straight. To fix this, stuff the inside of the baseball cap with a shirt or two and take a heavy duty rubber band and place it tightly around the bill of the cap. This will create a nice bend and after a few nights of this the bill should be formed just the way you like it.

•    Bend the bill: If the rubber band trick is not doing it for you or you don’t have the patience for it then you can always resort to the old bend the bill method. Simply bend the bill back and forth until the desired contour is achieved.

•    Scrunch and crunch: To loosen up the fibers of the cap you can take it and simple scrunch and crunch it up. Treat it like an old piece of paper and do this for 20 minutes at a time. The result will be a cap that will be less stiff and better formed to your head.

•    Water torture: This trick works for all baseball caps, but especially well on wool caps. Take your new cap and soak it completely in warm water. Make sure that the cap is wet all the way through. Now take the cap out and without ringing it dry, put it on your head and let it dry. As the cap dries it will shrink itself up and because it is sitting on your head it will take the shape of your head. You may have to repeat this process a few times and deal with the discomfort of a wet head, but this is the best way to get your cap to fit your head as though it was custom made for it.

After all of that you simply need to wear the cap around as much as possible. Now you can enjoy the upcoming season sporting your team’s new logo and you don’t have to worry about anybody thinking you are going to yell, ‘All aboard.’ All that is left is for to cheer loudly for your favorite team and enjoy the season.

Japan

What To Wear In Japan

Japan

Japan is a country on an archipelago, made up of almost 7000 islands, in the Pacific Ocean. It is an Asian country, rich in heritage, tradition and culture. It is an exciting country to visit or live in. However, if you are going there for the first time you need to know a few things about what to wear in Japan. The Japanese tend to be a well-dressed culture. Opt for mix and match outfits in classic styles. Women should avoid shorts, even in the summer, if they do not want to stand out. Cover up all visible tattoos if possible.

Knowing what to wear when you go to Japan is largely a matter of the weather and the part of the country that you go to. There are 6 different areas on the islands of Japan and the climate is very different in each. Some parts receive heavy snowfalls, others light winter snowfalls while other parts have warm winters with no snow. Summers are equally diverse with some areas having mild summers and others with very hot summer temperatures. Check the forecast for the specific region before choosing your wardrobe.

While casual clothing is fine for tourists, one thing to remember is that in the Japanese tradition, you remove your shoes when you go in many places. This includes in homes, temples, traditional inns and even certain hotels. It is important to make sure that your socks are without holes and are clean when you remove your shoes. You may also want to choose footwear that is easy to take on and put off because of doing it so often.

When you are in Japan you will likely be doing a fair amount of walking. Because of this you should choose a good pair of walking shoes or sneakers for maximum comfort. If you are there in the winter, opt for lined winter shoes or waterproof boots with good traction for added security.

If you are visiting most of the country you will need to bring along a jacket for the evenings in the summer. In spring and fall a jacket or raincoat is a good choice to bring. In winter a heavier coat is usually needed, along with gloves and a scarf unless you happen to be in the part of the country that experiences warm winters.

In terms of accessories, a hat and sunglasses are good choices if it is sunny outside, as well as sunscreen for protection. Tote an umbrella all year round as you never know when it might rain. An extra layer like a sweater in case a building is overly air conditioned in the summer is a good choice also. By bringing an oversized bag along, you will be able to carry these extra items comfortably and have a place to put anything you may take off as the day warms up. Before you go to Japan it is advised to purchase these items because many things are overpriced there.

If you are in Japan on business opt for business professional dress. Men should wear dark suits and be clean shaven. Women should also wear dress suits, hose, closed toe shoes and blouses with sleeves. Avoid wearing all black or black ties, as this is a look reserved for funerals.

Choose your clothes carefully and be ready for a truly different cultural experience when you get to Japan.

Abraham Lincoln

How to Dress Like Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln is one of the most well recognized presidents in history. Even most school children can accurately identify him. He is most well known for his finesse in leading the country through its greatest internal crisis, the Civil War, which led to the end of slavery. Also noteworthy and unique is his style, known throughout history as classic and conservative. You can dress up like him on President’s Day or the Fourth of July to show your patriotism and appreciation for one of our country’s greatest presidents.

Abraham Lincoln had a very conservative and classy look. To mimic him, you will need a top hat. This is the hat of choice for men of that era. When top hats were first introduced in Europe at the end of the 18th century, they were instantly popular with socialites and workmen alike. Abraham Lincoln was key in popularizing this style in the States. Rumor has it that he kept important documents inside his hat. Make sure that you buy a black hat, as that is the only color that he wore.

Next you will need a black suit jacket, preferably one that is a tailcoat. A tailcoat is technically a skirt, with the front part cut away, leaving only “tails” in the back that fall to below your knees. This was originally done in order to make horseback riding easier. Tailcoats are synonymous with this time period and were the uniform of choice for gentlemen attending evening white tie affairs.

Underneath the jacket, either a white or gray shirt is ideal, to be paired with a vest of the same color. It is even better if the vest has a bit of a metallic sheen to it. As far as pants go, simple black ones will be fine. Then, finish the suit with a black bowtie.

Shoes will need to be simple black dress shoes for men. This should be the easiest part of the outfit since most men already have a pair of black dress shoes.  Now that you have your outfit complete, it is time to work on your appearance. To achieve a likeness of Abraham Lincoln, you will need to find a dark wig and dark fake beard. Make sure that you part the wig to the side. You also may have to trim the beard so that it looks similar to the way Honest Abe would wear his.

Abraham Lincoln was a very tall man, measuring up to about 6’4’’. In order to look extremely authentic, walk on some short stilts or wear shoes with platforms to increase your height. If you choose stilts, be sure to practice on them first so that you can get familiar with how they feel when you walk.

The last key point to remember is to keep a very stoic and somber face. Abraham Lincoln was not known for his giddy and upbeat character. Few photographs depict him actually smiling. So no laughing when you are fully dressed!
Enjoy your day as Abraham Lincoln, one of history’s top most interesting men!

Vampire

How to Dress Like a Vampire

Vampire

When we think of vampires we typically think of dressing in all black, however in vampire mythology, there are several different styles of vampires when it comes to fashion. The cardinal rule of vampires is looking good. In fact, the vampire books that are most popular right now have the good vampires dressed in lighter colors. So whether it’s a black outfit or not, style is the most important thing when it comes to dressing like a vampire.

Generally, modern interpretations of vampires focus on the commitment to high fashion and always looking fabulous. Male and female vampires always want to look their best, supposedly so that they can better seduce their victims. Female vampires often dress in form fitting, sexy dresses while male vampires dress their best in a dark suit with a bright white shirt below. In fact, a tuxedo and a black cape are required if you want to go for the very classy vampire look.

Even if you are not quite ready for the slinky dress or tuxedo look, you can still dress like a vampire in a more casual way. In this case, black clothes will definitely be essential. Black jeans or pants are the basics of any casual vampire outfit. Be sure that they are very black. Faded black jeans that are almost gray will definitely dilute the effect you are after. Wear black shoes or boots also.

For women, it is important to choose a top that is sexy. A tight T-shirt can create the effect you are looking for. However, a more elaborate form fitting top with some metal accents like grommets, buckles or zippers is an even better choice. If you are uncomfortable wearing tight fitting clothes, a long black open jacket is a great fashion accessory.

For men, a classic white T-shirt or button-down shirt is a great vampire look. If wearing a regular shirt, a fancy pin at the neckline is a nice touch. If you choose to go the white shirt way, be sure that your shirt is ultra-clean and bright white. Vampires always dress sharply. A black T-shirt or button down shirt is also an option for male vampires. Don’t forget the long black jacket for those cold nights.

Remember that whatever you choose to wear needs to be in a classic style. Vampires, while fashionable, don’t follow trends of the day. They are eternal creatures and as such, wear clothing that will stand the test of time.

Details are important when striving for a particular look. The vampire look requires some attention to the makeup you choose also. Wear foundation that is too light for you. This will give you a vampire-like complexion. Even men can choose to use this technique. Darken your eyes with eye shadow, liner and mascara. Vivid red lipstick or even almost black lipstick will perfect that unmistakable vampire look. Some people even have permanent dental work done so that can look like a vampire!

Many people are fascinated with vampires because they appear to be so glamorous. Vampires have always been known for dressing well. Whether you’re lined up at your dentist’s office for fake teeth or not, dressing like a vampire could be a good rule of thumb if you’ve set your sights on dressing well.

Boston

What To Wear in Boston

Boston

Boston is a beautiful historic city that offers much to those who live there and much to those who visit. The harbor is breathtaking year-round. The old buildings are a testimony to days gone by and give a feeling of permanence, unlike many other American cities. The humid continental climate means that Boston enjoys 4 very distinct seasons. It is snowy and cold in winter, warm and humid in the summer and quite comfortable and scenic in both the fall and spring.

Boston is very much “The Walking City”. Traffic is generally heavy and parking is at a premium, therefore it is much more expedient to get around on foot or by bus, water shuttles, trains or the subway system referred to as the T. What this translates to for fashion is the fact that typically people need to truly dress appropriately for the seasons Also, you will more often see sneakers and comfortable walking shoes on the streets of Boston than other more fashionable footwear.

Winter in Boston dictates warm clothes. Drafty old buildings mean that even if you are inside you will want the advantage of a warm sweater and long pants or tights. If you venture outside, a heavy winter coat is a necessity. Waterproof outerwear is also highly recommended especially during snow storms. Remember gloves, hats, earmuffs and scarves, as well as insulated winter boots with a good rubber sole for traction when walking.

Summer in Boston is perfect for shorts and T-shirts, Capri pants, summer dresses or any lightweight ensemble. Expect warm temperatures but be prepared for air conditioning inside with a light sweater. Remember to wear comfortable shoes if walking.

Fall and spring are well-loved seasons in Boston. The temperatures are typically comfortable enough to not need to worry about needing extra layers of clothes. It is also not uncomfortably warm. Both seasons are great for getting outside and enjoying the changing scenes of nature, while in comfortable jeans and a T-shirt or sweater. A light jacket on windy days or a rain coat on rainy days is all you’ll need.

Sports are huge in Boston and the city is home to a variety of professional sports teams. What this means for fashion is that it is fashionable to wear any Boston team clothes for any casual event. In fact when home games are being played, team colors are seen everywhere throughout the city.

Boston is very much a hub for post-secondary education and medicine. Some of the best hospitals in the country are there, as well as top colleges and universities. The abundance of college students living in the Boston area means that fashion in the city is greatly influenced by that demographic. Casual fun looks, jeans and the hot trends of the moment are commonly sported by Boston students. Preppy looks and business casual is also very popular amongst faculty and young professionals in New England’s biggest city.

Heading to Boston? Check the local forecast before you pack your suitcase.

Kimono

How to Wear a Kimono

Kimono

Although many people think that a kimono is nothing more than a really fancy looking bathrobe, to the Japanese it is anything but. Unlike your bathrobe that you may just throw on to fetch the morning paper and not give any thought as to how you are doing it, wearing a kimono is a process and some steps even have a specific purpose or meaning.

If you want to properly wear a kimono you must have a little patience and a few articles accessories to go with it. Here are the proper steps to properly wear a kimono in the traditional Japanese way:

1.    Put on white socks first: Once your kimono is on and on properly, you will find it difficult to get to your feet, so save yourself the hassle and put your socks on first.

2.    Put on the Juban: The Juban is the white slip that actually goes under the kimono and features a collar. Once the kimono is on, only the collared part of the Juban will be visible. For this reason, you can now buy a Juban that is shorter and still features the collar, though it is not traditional.

3.    Put on the kimono:
Put your kimono on much like you would a bathrobe. Make sure that the seam on the back if the kimono is lined up with the center of your back. Wrap the right side of the kimono over you and then overlap it with the left side. This is a very important step and it actually signifies that you are living. When wrapped the opposite way it means that you are a corpse at a traditional Japanese funeral. At this point you will notice that the kimono is too long. No you didn’t get the wrong size; it is designed to be that way. When the kimono is in place, be sure that the collar of the Juban is visible and even around the neck area.

4.    Use your koshi-himo: A koshi-himo is a belt and you will need it for this next step. Pull up the excess kimono material until the kimono is even with your ankles. Now tie the koshi-himo around you and allow the extra fabric to hang over it. Be sure that the hanging fabric is even all the way around.

5.    Use your date-jime: A date-jime is the second type of belt you will need when putting on your kimono. Take the date-jime and wrap it over your mid section so that you can tie it in the back. Place it over the koshi-himo on the outside of the fabric but make sure that the fabric is still visible by a couple of inches. Once in the back, tie the date-jime and bring the ends to the front and then tie it once more. Tuck the ends under in a secure fashion to hold it in place.

Once everything is secure, make one last check to ensure everything is even and you are ready to go in your kimono worn the traditional Japanese way.

Kate Hudson

How to Dress Like Kate Hudson

Kate Hudson

Kate Hudson is an actress who is no stranger to the fashion and glamour that come with a Hollywood lifestyle as she was raised by her mother Goldie Hawn and who she considers to be her father Kurt Russell. At times Hudson’s look is almost hippy like and at other times she resembles the good old California girl that she is. No matter how she is dressed she always looks sophisticated, sexy, and comfortable which is a hard task for many to pull off.

Because she dresses so down to earth her style is often replicated by women everywhere. Much as her mother was, Hudson has a persona that many women can relate to. Here are some ways to help you pull off this ultra comfortable look:

•    Ultra Casual: When Hudson is out and about she is often seen in a fun hippy style sundress. Colors should always be bright and happy, like yellow or pink, and darker depressing colors should be avoided. Go for the full length ones that have a vintage look to them and finish them off with a nice pair of sandals.

•    Every day look: When Hudson is not turning heads on the red carpet she is often dressed in nothing more than a pair of jeans and an eyelet or crotchet white top. The jeans should be a lighter color of blue and be form fitting but never super tight. Hudson has a fantastic shape, but never seems to flaunt it too much.

•    Formal look: When on the red carpet Hudson looks elegant in any of the dresses that she wears. Most of her formal dresses feature an elegant cut and are almost always form-fitting, but once again she never seems to come off like she is showing off her goods. Wearing a nice pair of sophisticated heels goes great to complete the look and modest jewelry as well.

•    Accessories: Hudson makes much of her own jewelry at home with the exception of her formal jewelry. You too can get beads and other goodies and have a blast designing your own jewelry such as bracelets and necklaces. She has also been known to wear big sun hats at times and a big pair of sunglasses never hurts either.

•    Boots: Kate Hudson is a boot freak. She can be seen in pictures wearing boots with almost anything style of clothing she owns. Her boots are typically a darker color so stick with browns and black when selecting yours.

•    Hair and make-up: Perhaps she learned this trick from her mother, but Hudson always goes simple with her hair and make-up yet still comes off looking like a million bucks. She typically wears her hair down so if your hair is long enough just a simple hair style will do the trick. As for make-up she definitely uses some, but once again, she never goes overboard and always comes off looking very natural.

Now just practice your smile and learn to melt hearts with yours the way Hudson does with hers and your Kate Hudson look will be complete.