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Gene Simmons

How to Dress like Gene Simmons

Gene Simmons

Since the 1970’s the rock band Kiss has sold out the biggest venues around the world. Their style of rock and roll constantly pushed the envelope and continues to influence much of the music you hear today. Probably the most popular member of the band is Gene Simmons. Simmons is the one that was famous for sticking his extra long tongue out pretty much every chance he got.

When it comes to dressing like Simmons you could always go full out and get the outfit he wore on stage but you will really only be capturing his stage presence and not the real Simmons, though it is close. Besides to dress like him on stage you will have to put on lots of make-up and that may or may not go over so well.

When you think about dressing like Gene Simmons two words should come to your mind; casual and black. Even when he is at a special event or an awards show he looks as relaxed as can be. Here’s a sure way to emulate his rocker look:

•    Shirts: Simmons is very rarely seen wearing anything other than black shirts. When you choose your shirt you should not only make sure that it is black but that it is long sleeved as well. A nice button down shirt with the first three or four buttons undone usually does the trick.

•    Jackets: Sometimes Simmons can be seen wearing a black sports jacket, but more times than not you will see him in his familiar black leather jacket. Whatever you decide to go with, make sure that you leave it open as this adds to the Gene Simmons illusion.

•    Pants: This is your best chance for a little variety. Simmons can often be seen in jeans, dress slacks, and of course leather pants. The jeans can be any color from light blue to black, but stick to black only for the dress pants and the leather pants as he never wears any other color in those departments.

•    Shoes: To no surprise, Simmons wears black shoes. His foot attire consists of comfortable sneakers all the way to leather boots, but any way you decide to go, go with black.

•    Shades: This is the piece that ties the entire outfit together. Gene Simmons always wears his sunglasses even at night time and it is rare indeed to catch a glimpse of his eyes. When you pick out your sunglasses, make sure to choose ones that are known as wrap around. All this really means is that the sunglasses will be a bit bigger than normal. If you choose sunglasses that are too small it simply won’t fit the outfit.

•    Accessories: To complete the look get yourself a few rings to put on various fingers. Never go with gold as Simmons usually wears rings that are metallic colored or black.

As far as the tongue goes that is a mystery. If you weren’t born with an extra long tongue then use what you were given and make sure to stick it out as often as you can.

Mummy costume

How To Create A Mummy Costume

Mummy costume

It’s Halloween and you need a costume. Maybe you want to be a little more creative than the store-bought cookie-cutter outfits that are offered at a lot of the major retail chains. To be a hit at your costume party, or to simply make your child stand out when trick-or-treating, a mummy costume might be the way to go.

Creating a mummy costume will require time, but not a lot of time. You are probably picturing the fancy, purposefully antique-looking dark monsters from mummy films you’ve seen and thinking it would be impossible to recreate something like that. Actually, it’s a lot easier than you think.

Don’t get overwhelmed. The creation of a mummy costume can be broken down into simple steps, all of which don’t have to be completed at the same time.

1)  First, gather the materials. You’ll need white everything. Get a twin set of white sheets, a pair of white pants or jeans, and a long sleeve white shirt or sweatshirt, preferably a turtleneck. All of these materials can be collected from a thrift shop for under 10 dollars.

2)  Next, color the whites to achieve that rustic, having-sat-in-a-coffin for centuries look. To do this, dye all of these white materials in black tea. Add black tea bags to warm water in 3-5 gallon buckets, add the materials, and steep for about 4-6 hours. After soaking in the water, lay the now off-white clothes out in the sun to completely dry.

3)  First you’ll need a lot of mummy bandages. Start with the white sheets. Cut 2-3 inch slits down one side of the sheet. It doesn’t matter if it’s the long side of the short side. Then tear the strips up the length of the sheet . You’ll find that the strips will tear evenly and also have a very authentic looking frayed edge.

4)  With the turtleneck shirt laid out on a flat surface, wrap the mummy bandages around the shirt loosely up to the level of the armpit. To hold them in place you can use safety pins. Then, using a sewing machine, sew the strips to the shirt. This can be time consuming, but keep in mind that all you want to do is make sure the strips don’t fall off. Also, the more sloppy and haphazard you can do this will make the costume look better in the end. Feel free to overlap the strips and make some look longer than others. Avoid perfection at all costs!

5)  Now the arms. Cut along the inseam of each of the sleeves up to the armpit with a pair of scissors. Spread out the sleeves and then wrap around the mummy bandages in the same fashion. When finished, turn the shirt inside-out and sew the sleeves back together.

6)  For the pants, rip or cut the inseam all the way up to the crotch. Spread the material out on a flat surface and wrap or cover with more mummy bandages. Start from the bottom and begin sewing strips onto both legs. You can stop at the crotch because the shirt will cover the rest. Then turn the pants inside out and sew the legs back up again.

7)  At this point you’ll be running out of mummy strips. With any that are left-over, cover your face.

8)  When you’re wearing the suit, sprinkle baby powder all over for that ancient mummy effect.
That’s it! Simple! Now have fun!

Fishing

What to Wear to Go Fishing

Fishing

They say that a bad day of fishing beats a great day at work and nothing could be truer. Fishing is a wonderful way to relax and is a sport that anyone can get into regardless of age or experience. The wonderful thing about fishing is that there are no rules and you can pretty much use what you want for bait and you can throw your line in wherever there is water. This no rules approach also applies to how you dress to go fishing because there are no hard and fast rules as to the way you are supposed to dress. But if you want to get the most out of your fishing expeditions, there are some things you should know before you go on your next fishing adventure.

While any apparel will do when it comes to fishing, you can enhance your fishing experience by dressing the following way:

•    Shirt: One words here; lightweight. You should always wear light colored shirts that are made of a breathable fabric because when the sun beats down you will know it. There are actually ‘fishing shirts’ that are short sleeve button downs and on the back they have a mess lining and a flap that opens, allowing air to rush in and cool you off. If you don’t want to go that route, then a comfy white cotton undershirt does the trick every time. If it is cold in the morning when you set out, grab a good old flannel shirt to wear over your t-shirt as this will keep you nice and warm but will also allow you to quickly shed it once the sun starts heating things up.

•    Pants:
Again, you want to go lightweight. Wear cargo shorts if you can pull it off but if not get yourself a good pair of cargo pants. Cargo pants will not only be lightweight but the extra pockets make for great storage space for things like pliers and extra tackle. Wearing jeans will do the trick too, but remember that denim will not wick away sweat as a lighter fabric will, instead it will absorb it and can make you rather uncomfortable.

•    Shoes: Don’t wear flip-flops or sandals, wear shoes. You never know what kind of fish you are going to catch and you don’t want to have a spiny fin fish stick you in the foot. Not to mention the fact that there is almost always stray hooks lying around when you fish. Have you ever seen a hook in a foot….not a pretty site. You don’t have to go nuts here, just get any old pair of sneakers will do but make sure the entire foot is covered. Here’s a little tip, bring an extra pair of socks just in case your foot gets wet as the day goes on.

•    Hats and sunglasses: Wearing a hat is a great way to keep some of the sun off of you and you can wear anything here from a ball cap to a fishing hat. Get a good pair of sunglasses too as these will help you to fight the glare of the sun as it reflects off the water. If you can, pick a pair of polarized sunglasses as these will improve your vision as you look into the water and help you locate fish.

All you need now is some sun block and some bug repellant and you are ready to go. Just don’t forget to bring your pole and tackle box too.

Halloween 1

How to Decide What to Be for Halloween

Halloween 1

Halloween is a really great chance for you to step out of your usual boundaries and become something you’re not, which is why people of all ages love this strange but fun holiday. Instead of waiting until the day-of to pick up some cheap, plastic get-up from the costume aisle, plan ahead for a Halloween costume that will leave everyone terrified, charmed, screaming with laughter, or even turned on — all depending on the crowd and the reaction you’re going for.

•    Set aside some time to plan and shop. Don’t wait until the last minute if you want to have a costume that will wow on the big night. If you are creating a couples costume, you will want to coordinate the planning with your partner also.

•    Do some research. Check out Halloween costume websites to see what’s available and check out the most popular styles. You might just find the perfect costume for you, or get a really great idea for a unique design of your own creation.

•    Think about what interests you, such as hobbies, favorite celebrities, favorite characters from the movies or television, or famous historical figures. Choose a character that you are familiar with so you can imitate that individual’s dress, mannerisms and speech. You might also consider characters with whom you share a physical resemblance, such as a bald head or pregnant belly.

•    Determine how much money you want to invest in your costume. If you have an unlimited budget, a company specializing in costume rentals may be the place to get the outfit that will blow everyone away at the party.

•    If renting is too expensive an option, consider a visit to your local thrift store to search for uniforms, suits, out-of-date dress clothes and accessories. With a little imagination, your own closet may even turn into a costume gold mine. Consider what you could repurpose or alter with scissors and tape.

•    Keep in mind the type of event you will be attending and dress appropriately.
A horrifying, gory mask will not be appropriate for a children’s event, for example, and neither will your super-sexy French maid costume.

•    Weather can be a major factor when selecting a costume. If you will be wearing the ensemble outdoors, be careful to choose clothing that is warm enough, depending on your location. Many locales will be experiencing winter weather at this time of the year.

•    Pay attention to the details.
Small touches including hair, makeup and accessories can make or break your costume. What’s a pirate without the eye patch and peg leg, or Dorothy without Toto in a basket?

With a little time and effort, you can come up with an awesome costume that will make heads turn on Halloween. Plan ahead, get creative and have fun!

Soy sauce stains

How To Remove Soy Sauce Stains

Soy sauce stains

If you’ve ever cooked with soy sauce or eaten a meal with soy sauce what will strike you is the strong odor and salty taste. What might also strike you, if you aren’t careful, are splatter drops of soy sauce on your clothes. A single drop of soy sauce can be a very problematic thing to remove.

Of course, the best way to stainless clothes is to prevent the soy from splattering on you in the first place. Don’t wear whites and always wear something protective, like an apron. Even cover carpet areas that could become stained. If serving soy sauce to a group, have them spoon the sauce onto their plate rather than pour from anything potentially spill able. Also keep in mind that there are light and dark soy sauces. Cook with the light version as it contains lighter colors and is healthier for you too.

If the damage is done then this list modern and traditional methods should provide you with what you need to know to rid yourself of pesky soy sauce stains.

Act Fast. If you’re cooking and notice a stain on your outfit wash it as quickly as possible. Soy sauce contains a staining substance and this substance takes time to be fully absorbed into fabric. By running the affected area under lukewarm water this will be fixed.

Try Detergents. Mix some detergent with water and rub the ensuing foam on the area with the stain. Remember that not all detergents will be appropriate for your particular fabric. Some might be too strong. Read the labels and judge for yourself. Even better would be to administer the cleansing agent with a spray. Then put the garment in the washer. You’ll want to go through a wash cycle quickly because some of the very modern cleansing agents can themselves leave stains.

Dishwashing Liquid. One traditional method is to combine a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid in about a cup of water and pour it on the stained area. Then blot until dry. Next combine one tablespoon of ammonia with a cup of water and again pour it on the stained area and blot until dry. Finally, wipe the area with a clean water saturated sponge. Repeat these steps until the stain is no longer visible.

Ice. Another tradition technique involves ice. Simply rub an ice cube over the stained area. Then, run the fabric under cold water while rubbing the stained area with your hands. Hopefully, the stain will wear off.

Peroxide. For carpets that are made of stronger fabrics use a spray bottle with peroxide. Spray the stain, let it sit, and then blot up the stain with a paper towel. If the carpet is very wet, try a shop-vac on a high setting until you draw out the liquid. Just be sure to blot and vacuum without pushing the stain deeper into the carpeting.

Of course, if all else fails and you’re feeling totally hopeless, take the garment to the dry cleaner and plead for help.

Tourist

How to Avoid Looking Like a Tourist

Tourist

When you are traveling abroad, the last thing you want to do is stick out like a sore thumb and look like a tourist. There are a number of reasons behind this like safety for one, but for the most part, looking like a tourist just isn’t cool. Just as you may think it is goofy to see other people from different countries come here to the United States and show how touristy they are the same holds true for them when you visit their country.

It is very easy to avoid looking like a tourist and here are some tips to help you:

•    Leave the map behind: Nothing screams tourist louder than a person walking aimlessly down the street with their nose buried in a map. Instead of bringing the map with you try mapping out your day the night before in your hotel room. If you get completely lost, just go into a local store and ask for directions.

•    Dress like a local:
The first thing you should do when traveling abroad is to find out how the locals dress. Then you can either buy something before you go or buy something as soon as you get there. If you walk around the streets of Paris wearing short and a t-shirt that says Red Sox on it with your favorite Red Sox cap, do you really think you are going to blend in?

•    Avoid cameras around your neck: Another sure sign of a tourist is the video camera and regular camera hanging around your neck. With today’s technology there is no excuse for you to be walking around looking like a member of the media. Keep your cameras and video cameras in your purse or out of sight and only take them out when you intend on using them.

•    Eat what is served to you: Avoid asking for ‘American’ condiments such as ketchup and mustard as this is a sure way to out yourself. You are on vacation after all and in a whole new part of the world, so do as the locals do and try the food the way they prepare it.

•    Observe local customs: When you meat people don’t just jut your hand out and expect that it will get shook. In some countries this is taboo so it is wise to observe the local customs and do what they do. This really should be researched before you go on your trip.

•    Know the language: If you can, learn the native tongue before you take your trip. If this can’t be done, just try to converse with those who speak English as well. Using a translation book not only says you are a tourist, but if you aren’t careful you can unknowingly call someone a name when all you are trying to do is ask where the bathroom is.

Seeing the world is truly a wonderful thing, but if you don’t want to look like a tourist then you have to do your best to blend in with the locals. Do some research ahead of time and remember the old saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

Olsen twins

How to Dress Like the Olsen Twins

Olsen twins

Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen have been followed by celebrity watchers almost since their birth. The adorable baby twins that became TV stars grew into popular adolescents with their own line of clothing and accessories. Still today as young adults, the media and their fans are fascinated by every move they make, their style and everything about them. Known for creating their own fashion trends, many people want to emulate their style.

If you want to learn how to dress like the Olsen twins, there are some must-haves that you need to add to your wardrobe. Their look is heavy into accessories, so that is a great place to start. Mary Kate and Ashley always wear large oversized sunglasses and carry large oversized but very functional bags. In addition, they tend to pair black or other dark colored tights with many of their outfits. These are an easy addition to your wardrobe. Jewelry is another must-have for the Olsen twin look. The twins often sport clunky bracelets, big earrings and long necklaces. So stock up on these items. Luckily jewelry is a one-size-fits-most, so anyone can have the Olsen jewelry style. Flowing scarves, often providing the only touch of color in an outfit are true Olsen style staples too. Glam is a hallmark of their look.

Mary Kate and Ashley have a penchant for dark colors in their wardrobe. There is a large amount of black in the outfits they are most commonly seen wearing. Accessories often bring the only color to an Olsen twin outfit. Much of their look is created layering different textures, colors and fun pieces. High heeled footwear, including unusual shoes and high heeled boots are often worn by the twins in their unique outfits.

The ensembles that are typically worn by Mary Kate and Ashley are usually made up of a combination of vintage clothes and trendy pieces. This eclectic combination makes for a unique look that you cannot recreate simply by buying all the pieces from one store. If you want to dress like the Olsen twins, you will need to start by finding vintage clothes as a base for your wardrobe. Yard sales, consignment shops and online vintage clothing sellers are go-to destinations for such items.

In your quest to dress like the Olsen twins, remember that their style is very casual for the most part. While they do like to dress up for special occasions and love glam, much of their everyday wear consists of long sweaters, layers, oversized items, jeans, leggings, interesting shoes and great accessories. Very little of their clothes is form fitting or provocative. Keep it modest and varied and you can easily pull off an Olsen twins look.

Sari

How to Wear a Sari

Sari

The simplicity of a sari makes it popular to women nowadays. This kind of attire is so flexible that it can be worn in different wrap-up styles and can look formal or casual depending on the design. With so many colors and prints available, there’s a sari for every taste. The right sari fabric featuring the perfect print and color will make you the most fashionable and elegant woman at the party.

Choosing the right sari for your occasion is easy. First, think about what kind of event you’ll be attending. Is it formal, like a wedding or society party? Or more casual, like simple family gatherings or a party with friends? A sari can fit in with any party, as long as you choose one that’s appropriate. They vary from elegant drapes to simple drops, from detailed prints to simple ones. Knowing in advance how fancy your party will be will save you from the embarrassment of being underdressed or overdressed.

Choosing the design, print, and fabric for your sari is another thing. For formal and serene occasions like weddings, elegant designs are preferred. Go with warm and classic colors like beige, cream, white with touches of gold and silver. Choose a fabric that compliments your figure best. Slim women should have cotton or silk so as to enhance their curves, while curvier women will prefer chiffon or georgette fabrics.

There are two more crucial pieces you’ll need to choose carefully once you’ve picked a design and fabric type. You’ll need a petticoat and a blouse. The waist-to-floor length petticoat, which shouldn’t be visible outside the Sari, must match the color of sari as closely as possible. If you have a dark fabric sari, any dark color will do, but for lighter ones, stick to a color that’s very close to the sari’s color. The blouse should end below the bust. Look for a blouse that features a very simple design that compliments the elegant drapes your sari makes when you wear it.

Dressing in your sari starts with tucking the plain end of the fabric into the petticoat, preferably on the right side of your navel. Make sure that the whole fabric is gathered on your left side and that the lower end of the fabric is touching the floor. Then wrap it around again enveloping your body from right to left. Starting at the tucked-in end, make equally graceful pleats (the number of pleats depends on the style you want) and tuck them into the petticoat, at the waist, directly opposite the other tucked end.

After that, raise the remaining fabric up under your right arm and over your left shoulder. This way, the level of the safari is at knee-length already. Lastly, you can prevent the pallu, or the loose end of the sari that’s hanging over your left shoulder, from slipping off by fixing it to the blouse with a well-hidden safety pin or two.

Use your imagination to create other wrap-up styles. The possibilities are endless – but make sure you take pictures so you can recreate a winning wrap again. Have fun and be beautiful with your own sari!

Peaches Geldof

How To Dress Like Peaches Geldof

Peaches Geldof

Peaches Geldof is the daughter of Bob Geldof, the singer-songwriter. Her full name is Peaches Honeyblossom Michelle Charlotte Angel Vanessa Geldof. To date Peaches’ claim to fame is simply being a socialite. Born in 1989, she is still very young and is currently in college. She has done some broadcasting work and has been featured in a variety of magazines around the world. One of them has even included her in the top 10 fashion icons in recent years.

Her long sometimes dark and sometimes blond hair and the styles she wears often gives Peaches a look of little girl lost. She is currently sporting lightened hair. She is considered to be one of the British “It” girls, especially in terms of fashion, even though she currently resides in the United States and goes to New York University here. Peaches is one of those style queens who can pull off practically anything, matching items and prints that should never be matched but somehow making it work.

Peaches has gotten involved with a fashion group called PPQ. She designs for the company and they create her fashions. It is a perfect business arrangement for both sides. This is a great example of just how fashion savvy she really is. How many clients are turned to for help in any business?

Peaches is a big fan of the color black and often adorns herself in it. She tends to gravitate towards short skirts and tights as a signature part of her outfits. She also has some great looks with black and ivory together in short dresses. It makes for a very sophisticated but young look.

For the red carpet, Peaches knows how to pull together a worthy look. She wears her hair up in a sophisticated style. She opts for floor length sophisticated dresses which are one or two tone and have a completely grown up look to them. In regards to accessories, Peaches tends to use a wide variety of them. Occasionally she can be seen wearing a tam. When it comes to a purse she uses a variety of sizes from the handheld clutch to a big bag. She sometimes wears jewelry but is not over done. One of the things that makes her stand out in a crowd is her intense use of eye makeup. Her eyes are rimmed with black eyeliner consistently.

If you are striving to dress like Peaches Geldof, get yourself some of her signature wardrobe pieces in order to get started. Opt for black short skirts and tights before anything else. Throw in a great leather jacket, some black heels and a plaid shirt. Check out photos of her online and see what else she is wearing so you can recreate the awesome looks that she is so well known for.

Black clothes

How To Prevent Black Clothes From Fading

Black clothes

Nothing looks as elegant and as chic as black clothing. It covers a multitude of sins, makes you look slimmer, works with almost every complexion and matches almost everything. Black clothes are the basis of many a wardrobe and are more versatile than practically any other color. The only trick with black clothes however is keeping them black. Faded black clothes just do not have the same style power as true black. Faded black looks tired and rather blah. Therefore it is important to know the tricks of how to prevent black clothes from fading.

The biggest thing to consider when you are worried about black clothes fading is how you wash them. If you choose to dry clean your black clothes, your worries about fading are over. However, this is not realistic for most people, especially if they have multiple pieces of black clothing. Therefore you need to understand the hows and whys of laundering black clothes.

When you are washing black clothes at home, do so in cold water. This will minimize any fading that might occur. Use gentle laundry detergents and do not add laundry boosters or bleach of any kind. Use the gentle cycle on your washing machine as much as possible when washing black clothes. Remember to never put towels or other abrasive fabrics in the same load as your blacks. They will agitate the fibers in the black clothes causing fading. Turn clothing inside out before washing to avoid fibers rubbing on other items.

When it comes to drying your black items, you should hang them to dry. If you put them outside to dry, keep them inside out, so the sun does not contribute to the color fading. Do not put them in a hot clothes dryer as this will speed up fading of darks.

Special detergents have been formulated in recent years to be used specifically with black clothes. It is supposed to prevent black items from fading. This is said to be a good investment especially if you have a predominantly black wardrobe. You can also do an at-home fix of your faded blacks periodically by adding a package of black color dye to your next load of black laundry.

Another trick to prevent black clothes from fading is to soak the item in a mix of cold water and vinegar prior to wearing it to set the color. In each of your subsequent washes, add a capful of vinegar to the rinse water. Some suggest adding salt to the first wash to set the color of black clothes.

One thing that will greatly reduce the anguish you suffer when your black clothes fade is to choose fabrics that do not fade greatly. Acrylics and polyesters tend to hold their color well. Silks and satins also resist fading. The biggest culprit when it comes to fading is cotton, the most popular of fabrics. However, with the right treatment, even cotton can have minimal fading.

Treat your black clothes right and you can succeed in keeping them true black as long as possible. You’ll look chic and sophisticated not faded and dull in your vivid black clothes.

Football fan

How To Have Your Wife or Girlfriend to Dress Like A Football Fan

Football fan

It happens every Sunday from September through January. Men are glued to their TV sets while their wives complain; often misunderstanding the joy their husbands derive from the drama that unfolds on the screen. Why don’t women partake in their husband’s exuberance for football? Most say they just don’t understand the game, don’t see the point, and believe their men should be doing something else with their time. Men dream of a wife that will bond with them through football, as this usually means they’ll get to watch more of it.

There have been a lot of ways that men have tried to get their uninterested wives to like football. The most common approach is reminding her of the time they’re spending together while watching the games. Recently men have come up with a different strategy. Knowing that women like to dress and shop, men believe that if their wives dress the part they’ll eventually feel the part. So buying her some team merchandise, they believe, might be the way to get started.

The first step is where to go to shop? Women are naturally unlikely to shop at places where team jerseys are sold. Macy’s and the GAP aren’t going to sell Pittsburgh Steelers team paraphernalia. So accompany your wife to a local sports clothing store. This will be unfamiliar territory for her so have patience.

What will she need to wear so that she won’t embarrass you in front of your fellow fans?

1) Jersey. This is probably the most critical piece of clothing. It’s a representation of your fan-dom. Keep it simple. Purchase a jersey that only has the team’s name on it. In other words, if possible, avoid player names or numbers. Your wife won’t feel a connection to a player she doesn’t know anyway. Names can also be controversial, particularly if the player in question has had legal issues. It won’t help your cause if drunken fans yell at your wife if she has the name Vick on the back of her jersey.

2) Shoes. Sneakers are the name of the game. Go with name brands like Nike that she’ll recognize. Under no circumstances are boots or heels allowed.

3) Jeans. This is where you can give your wife some leeway of choice. Let her pick the jeans that she feels will best match the jersey colors she’s purchased. She’ll feel a sense of involvement and you can even let her shop for the jeans at the GAP.

4) Accessories. These include gloves or mittens and a scarf. The scarf can be a team-color scarf. The mittens just must be warm if you plan on going to the games in the stadium in winter.

What not to wear? This is simple. A wife in the beginning stages of dressing like a football fan should avoid face paint or wigs. In the future she can sparingly decorate herself if she becomes more of a fan.

Basically, your wife will like the idea of dressing with you in support of your team. She’ll be happy you’ve thought of her and will reward you with unlimited TV time watching the games. And if you’ve done your job she’ll even watch with you.

Jessica Simpson

How to Dress Like Jessica Simpson

Jessica Simpson

Jessica Simpson offers classic American beauty that anyone can emulate. Men find her blonde hair, big chest and flirty outfits irresistible, while women appreciate her feminine yet approachable style. In addition to being a regular in the fashion magazines, she has made a significant mark on the fashion world by launching her own line of handbags, footwear, swimwear and other accessories.

To dress like Jessica Simpson, bring out the bows, ribbon and lace. This girl loves being a girl, and her feminine style reflects it.

Pretty dresses.
Girly is the rule when Jessica dresses up. Her dresses are often tight to show off her cute hourglass shape, and short to emphasize her well-muscled legs. Lately she has also been wearing the season’s long and flowing maxi dresses, such as this vintage-inspired maxi number by Elizabeth and James Dooriya. To copy Jessica’s look, go for fun and flirty dresses in feminine colors such as pink, purple and blue. Florals are always a safe bet, and it’s just fine to show off as much cleavage as you dare. Jess may be the daughter of a minister, but she’s not shy at all when it comes to showcasing her best assets.

Interesting patterns and textures. Jessica Simpson enjoys experimenting with interesting patterns and textures, and recently announced she will be adding dresses to her fashion line for this reason.

Sky high heels.
As the inspiration behind her own line of footwear, Jessica loves wearing sexy shoes. Her petite height makes her partial to high heels…really high heels. She is an expert at walking and looking great in wedges, platforms, stilettos and many other tall styles.

Flashy accessories. Jessica loves most any accessory. Big earrings, chunky necklaces, dangling bracelets, wide belts, designer handbags … you name it, this girl wears it. When accessorizing your Jessica Simpson look, having fun mixing up a variety of items. Large-framed sunglasses are also a necessity for shielding one’s eyes from the glare of the paparazzi.

Trendy casual. When dressing casually, Jessica loves to go for comfort.  Tracksuits designed by Juicy Couture are among her favorites, such as this Dog Crest Velour hoodie and pants set featuring a pink, silver and gold crest.

Go country. As a born and bred Texas girl, Jessica knows how to work western wear. She’s frequently seen in country garb (especially during the time she was attempting a career in country music), and vintage cowboy boots are a favorite. Her footwear line includes a healthy selection of boots fit for any cowgirl. Jessica also is known for looking smokin’ hot in Daisy Duke shorts, a must for her role as the country daredevil in the 2005 “Dukes of Hazzard” movie.

Pile on the hair extensions.
Jessica has made hair extensions famous, and even admits to sleeping in them. She and her hair stylist, Ken Pavés, have been using the clip-on hairpieces for years. If you want to dress like Jessica Simpson, hair extensions can help you duplicate her long, flowing tresses with ease.

Pam Beasley

How to Dress Like Pam Beasley from The Office

Pam Beasley

One of the most popular television shows in the last couple of years is The Office. Pam Beesly, played by actress Jenna Fischer, is one of the main characters on the show. Pam is the frustrated receptionist-turned-salesperson at the fictional paper company Dunder Mifflin. Pam is engaged to her coworker, Jim Halpert, a salesman at Dunder Mifflin. She is often the calm voice of reason in a workplace filled with drama. She is an understated, yet pivotal character on the show.

Pam is one of the most popular characters on The Office. Her simple attire and modest style help to show that though she appears unassuming, she’s actually a complex individual. Dressing like Pam from The Office is really simple for that reason. Just follow a few simple steps to get the look.

Pam’s office wear is very basic. You can start with a simple cotton button down shirt. Try for a simple pattern or a solid color. Make sure the shirt fits properly. Pam does not wear loose or baggy clothes. She seems understated but has a great figure and her clothes work to show that off in a very subtle way. You can find something like this at most women’s clothing stores or department stores such as Kohl’s or Macy’s.

On top of the shirt you can add a simple, cute cardigan. Pam often wears a cardigan in colors like soft pink or gray. In the winter you can wear a cozy turtleneck sweater instead of a cardigan. Add a Christmas brooch during the holiday season to add some extra Pam style to the outfit.

The next thing you need to dress like Pam from The Office is a modest skirt. Go for a basic color like gray or black. Make sure it fits! The skirt should come down to just below your knee. A pencil skirt would be perfect and can be found in most department stores.

Pam always wears pantyhose! It’s probably in the Dunder Mifflin dress code. So make sure you wear nude panty hose. Pair the hose with some sensible, basic dress shoes and you’ve almost completed the look.

One of Pam’s defining style elements is her hair. It’s basic medium brown and almost always worn in a half-up style. To get this look simply pull back your hair on both sides, leaving the back down and long, and put in a clip or barrette in the back to secure it. Leave the bangs long and out of the clip but tucked behind your ear. Don’t style the hair too much before pinning it up as Pam’s hair generally looks a little wavy and under styled.

Pam Beesly is a classic character with a super simple style that’s easy to duplicate with only a few simple pieces. Put them together in the right pairings and you can pull it off in no time! It’s easy to dress like Pam Beesly with the right outfit.

Squeaky shoes

How To Fix Squeaky Shoes

Squeaky shoes

Have you ever heard the sounds of a basketball game in a gym? I don’t mean the cheers and boos from the crowd, but the squeaky sounds made by the players as their shoes move against the floor when they perform quick starts and stops en route to a fantastic three-point shot. It’s a sound synonymous with sports, whether it is basketball, racquetball, or indoor soccer.

These sounds are fine and most likely expected inside a gym, but what if these sounds emanate from shoes when they’re not wanted? Shoes that announce your arrival long before you arrive can be quite embarrassing. Who would want squeaky shoes while walking down the street or in a library? Maybe you think that’s just the way it is and eventually the shoes will lose their squeaky sounds after they’re broken in. You’ve probably never considered that there are intentional things that can be done to correct the annoying squeaky shoe problem.

Well you’re in luck, and you’re not the only person with shoes that sound like you stepped on a child’s toy. Squeaky shoes are a common problem and it’s caused mainly by two materials that rub against one another. There are both home-made and professional remedies for this problem.

First, the home-made methods:

Remedy #1: Super Glue
If you’ve identified that the heel is the cause of the noise, it likely means that it’s loose. Simply add a few drops to the inside part of the heel and hold it tight against the main part of the shoes until it adheres. Then allow it some time to completely dry.

Remedy #2: Baby Powder
Most shoes come with an inner sole. Lift the sole, sprinkle baby powder inside, and then replace it. Hopefully the powder will soak up any moisture that could be causing the sound.

Remedy #3: Paper Towels
Have you been out in the rain and stepped in a puddle? If your shoes are wet in any way they will likely squeak. If this is your situation, stuff your shoes with paper towels and allow them to dry. The damper they are the more stuffing they’ll need

Remedy #4: Silicone Spray
Just spurt the spray around the regions that are rubbing together. This works great and doesn’t cause damage to leather shoes.

If you’ve tried all of these solutions and nothing seems to work, it might be time to call on a pro. It might sound old-fashioned, but cobblers still exist and are ready to help.

Remedy #5: Take Your Shoes To A Cobbler
If the shoes are very old and the soles are worn, a cobbler can resole the shoes for you.

Remedy #6: Take Your Shoes To A Repair Shop
Sometimes the shank becomes loose in old shoes and causes them to squeak. A shoe repair shop can help.

So now there is hopefully no more reason to adjust the way you walk to avoid squeaky sounds or feel ashamed when your shoes are louder than you are.

Crayon stains

How To Remove Crayon Stains From Clothes

Crayon stains

Crayon stains are the inevitable hallmark of having little kids in your home. Sooner or later a crayon makes its way into the washer and dryer or melts onto clothes in the hot sun. Nothing is more disheartening than to discover clothes that have been stained with crayons. No matter how your crayon stains happen, it is important to know how to deal with them so that they do not turn into permanent stains.

One of the trickiest parts of crayon stains is that it is a combination stain. You will have to deal with removing color and grease. Therefore multiple stain treatments may be necessary, however typically grease removal products should take care of both aspects. The main thing to remember when dealing with a crayon stain is to get started removing it as soon as you notice it. As with any clothing stain, the longer the crayon stain sits before you attempt removal the harder it will be.

The first thing you must do is to use a blunt knife or other fine-edged object to remove the excess crayon residue. Since the crayon is made of wax, you need to treat it as you would a candle stain. Place an ice cube on it to make sure it is as solid as possible and scrape off as much of it as possible.

In order to treat the grease portion of the stain, you will need to treat it as you would any grease stain. One of the best pre-treatments for grease stains is Dawn dishwashing liquid. Designed to cut grease, it can be applied directly to the stain and rubbed in. The item should then be laundered with the hottest water that is considered safe for the fabric. Another great grease-fighting pre-treatment is hand cleaner that is formulated for mechanics. The same technique is used when pre-treating using this type of product. For particularly tough crayon stains, pre-treat the stain with WD-40 before laundering the item in hot water, color-safe bleach and regular detergent. You should test check a hidden part of the garment first before using WD-40 on it.

After the item has been washed, check to make sure the stain is out. If it is not, do not dry it. Repeat the stain treatment or opt for a different stain treatment method and wash the item again. Be sure the stain is completely gone before drying the clothes. If your clothes have been stained by a crayon that made its way through the washer and dryer, make sure you clean out the dryer before you put the newly cleaned clothes back in there. The best way to remove crayon from the drum of a dryer is with WD-40.

Now that you know the secrets of removing crayon stains from clothes, you can rest easy when it happens. You surely won’t wish for crayon stains to appear because dealing with them is time consuming, but at least you know the tried and true methods to ensure your clothes are not ruined forever.

Communist

How to Dress Like a Communist

Communist

Communism, according to the Merriam Webster dictionary, is a totalitarian system of government in which there is a single authoritarian power. The word “communist” conjures up many images from Karl Marx to Stalin to modern day North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il. Though communism dates back as far as the 16th century, it’s communist leaders in the last one hundred years that come to mind with the word communist.

Communism is a controversial political idea but can be a fun and interesting dress style to try to emulate. Dressing like a communist takes some thought and planning but can be done with some simple clothing and hair.

There are many communists that one can try to imitate, though there is also just a general sense of style that one can copy to pull off the look as well. For this you just need a few basic things in order to dress like a communist.

One option is to find a plain military type uniform, either in olive, black or navy. A button shirt with a notched collar and matching pants will do the trick. Add a leather belt either around the waist of the pants or over the jacket around your waist to complete the look. Make sure you also wear military boots with this outfit and a matching hat with a brim or a military beret. All of these items can be found at a costume shop or at an army surplus store. You could also search the internet for these articles.

Another option when dressing like a communist is to try to reproduce the image of the communist leaders. With this look you would need a more formal coat or jacket with matching pants. This can either be something akin to a suit or a more formal version of a military uniform. As long as it’s plain and generic without military insignias, any of these will do the trick. Wearing a belt outside the jacket, high around the waist would work great with the formal look. Adding an overcoat or trench coat to either the simple or the formal outfit would help to complete the costume.

Many communists and communist leaders were known to have facial hair. Adding a moustache and/or a beard would really add to the look. And for your hair you could go with a wild unkempt look or a more subdued, slicked back look.

A common symbol of communism is a red star with a yellow hammer and sickle in the middle. Adding one of these to your outfit would make it look quite authentic, though could also add even more controversy to you costume.

The image of a communist evokes a sense of revolution and counterculture.  To dress like a communist could be quite controversial but could also be challenging and fun to try to imitate the look. Dressing like a communist takes a little shopping, thought and preparation but can be an easy style to duplicate.

Clothes swap

How To Organize A Clothes Swap

Clothes swap

A clothing swap is a great way to get some new-to-you clothes, while not paying a penny. In today’s tight economy people are trying harder than ever to cut corners where they can and save money. For this reason clothes swaps are becoming more and more popular amongst groups of friends, neighbors, social groups and even churches. You can easily organize a clothing swap yourself to get some different looks for you, your kids or even the man in your life.

The first step to decide on the theme of your clothing swap. You may want to have a swap for any and all clothes. This works well if you are doing a swap with a smaller group or if you have a huge space. However, for the sake of organization, and especially if you plan to have a large number of people participating you may want to limit the type of clothes. You could choose a kids-only swap, adult clothes only, a seasonal clothing swap or even a specialty swap like Halloween costumes, formal wear or outdoor winter wear.

The next step is to choose the place and time. The larger the space you have available the bigger and better your swap can be. Try to find a community center, church hall or other area free of charge to hold your swap. Alternately you can hold it in your home, but limit it to one or two rooms only and give attendees limits on the number of items they can bring. Choose a time that works well for most of the people in your group. If you plan to do a swap amongst friends, a Saturday morning brunch swap may be fun. If you have a group of stay at home moms who are doing the swap choose a weekday and be prepared to have kids around.

The next thing you must do is set the rules. How many items can a person bring? Will you accept stained clothes? Do items need to be hung? Some general rules are sort of common sense but must be shared prior to the swap. All clothes must be laundered. Put outfits together. Don’t bring worn out, ripped or majorly stained items. The order of choice is next to be set. It may be determined by drawing names or by the number of items someone brought. If allowing one person at a time to choose, you need to remember that your clothing swap will take a long time. Only do a round or two of this method and then allow a free for all. You may want to log in the number of items a person brings and allow them to leave with that many or fewer.

Invite people to take part in your swap. State that the only way they can come is by bringing items to swap. Make sure you invite at least double or triple the number of people you would like to see show up. Keep in mind the types of people and the theme of your swap. If most of your friends have girls only, don’t invite the one mom who only has boys. No one will want her stuff and she will find nothing she wants. If you are having an adult clothing swap and most people you are inviting wear size 12 and over, don’t invite your friend who is a size 2.

Lastly, have a plan for leftovers. You will find at any swap that there are things that are not chosen. Allow those who brought such items to take them home again if they want. The remainder should go to Goodwill, a church clothes closet or some other non-profit group which could make use of the clothes.

Good luck with your clothes swap.

Iron

How To Iron A Crease In Pants

Iron

Nothing looks crisper than a properly pressed pair of pants. Nothing is more evident of a lack of attention to detail than poorly pressed pants that have multiple creases. Knowing how to iron a crease in pants is an art that is becoming increasingly lost as more and more people opt for wash and wear. If you want to appear nicely pulled together and professional, without spending a fortune on dry cleaning, you need to learn the proper way to iron a crease in pants.

The first thing you need to do is make sure you have the right tools. It is very important that you have a firm flat surface on which to do your ironing. A soft bed is not going to work well. Ironing boards are a great tool to have in your home if you plan to do any amount of ironing. If not, you can use the floor or a cleared kitchen counter top. Just be sure to pad the area with clean linen that you have pressed to ensure that no wrinkles are transferred from the padding to the clothes you are ironing.

You should also have a steam iron as a dry iron often does not give as good a finished result. Spray starch may be needed if you have fabric that is not holding its shape well or if you prefer a stiffer appearance to your clothes. The last piece of equipment you need is a pressing cloth, which is typically a fine piece of white fabric to be put between the iron and the pants to avoid scorching or discoloration of certain fabrics from the direct heat.

Before you begin actually pressing the pants, you will need to lay them properly on the ironing surface. Hold the ends of the pants together with the seams touching each other. This will create a natural crease in the middle of the front of the leg and the back of the leg. This is exactly what you want to iron. Lay the pants on the table exactly as you have lined up the seams.

Place the pressing cloth on the portion of the leg that is showing and pass your hot iron on the steam setting over the pressing cloth. Pay close attention to holding the iron down longer than usual at the crease to create a crisp line. Move the pressing cloth as needed. When the top portion is done, which is actually the exterior side of one leg, lift that leg gently and place it out of the way so you can iron the inner part of the other pants leg. Again use the pressing cloth as you go.

When you have completed that section, pick up the pair of pants and turn them over so that the unironed exterior part of the second leg is now on top. Repeat the process as you did before. You may also need to lay the pants flat to iron the waistband and pockets, but this will not affect the great crease you have created in your pants. An alternate method is to use a steamer to press your clothes in which case you can often create a crease in pants while they are hanging.

Now that you know how to iron a crease in pants, you are equipped to make your wardrobe look like it has been professionally dry cleaned, without the cost of doing so.

MC Hammer

How to Dress Like MC Hammer

MC Hammer

Back in the late 1980’s MC Hammer gave the rap world such familiar hits as To Legit to Quit and You Can’t Touch This. He was so popular at one point in time that it seemed impossible to turn on the radio without hearing one of his songs every hour. Even though his music is no longer all the rage, his whacky style of dressing still is. The way he dressed when he preformed was almost as entertaining as the songs that he sang.

If you want to dress like MC Hammer you have to be prepared to be stared at quite a bit. That was after all Hammers’ main focus, to draw attention to himself. Here are some ways to dress like MC Hammer:

•    Parachute pants: This is MC Hammer’s trademark. No matter what else he wore while he was performing, both he and all the dancers that were on the stage with him wore parachute pants. Parachute pants are typically tight on the ankles and waist and are loose and parachute looking in the legs. Hammer took his parachute pants so seriously that he actually had his custom made. You don’t need to go this far though as a vintage store will probably have some pants that will do the trick.

•    Jackets: There are no rules here except that you should go for something that clashes horribly with the pants. Hammer always seemed to have fun mixing and matching his jackets with his parachute pants. The jacket you choose should also be form fitting and if you have a physique like Hammer did then you can go shirtless like Hammer did. If you are not comfortable going shirtless, have some more fun finding a clashing t-shirt to wear under your jacket.

•    Flat soled boots: Hammer was always dancing when he performed and for this reason he had to wear boots with a flat sole. The boots almost always matched the pants in color and clashed horrifically with the entire ensemble. A good trick here is to find an old pair of boxing boots at a thrift store and spray paint them and add some glitter and or sequins to them. Now you have an affordable pair of Hammer boots.

•    Accessories: Hammer loved to be flashy with his accessories. Duplicate his flare by wearing big sunglasses that match your pants, but never your jacket and make sure to get plenty of thick gold chains that sport all sorts of medallions.

•    Hair:
The last thing that will tie the entire MC Hammer look together is the hair. Hammer was famous for his fade. To get the Hammer fade, start tight and short on the sides of your hair and gradually fade up your hair so the end result looks like you have a flat head. Top it off with shaving a few lines in the side of your head and you are set.

While we all may laugh at how MC Hammer dressed, you have to admit he was a pretty good dancer considering the wardrobe he had on.

Underwear drawer

How To Organize An Underwear Drawer

Underwear drawer

It’s time to get dressed. It’s a cold day, you’ve just showered, and the first stop is the underwear drawer. Then it hits you. You see a drawer or drawers full of underwear, sometimes so full the drawer can’t be closed. Different colors and fabrics are sticking out of the drawer in all directions while you stand there, shivering, trying to find something to wear. If this scenario sounds familiar then you need to organize your underwear drawer.

The first step is to dump out the drawer containing your underwear onto a bed. It’ll be quite a pile but don’t worry as there will be a method to attack this madness. Whether you’re a man or woman, think about categories and which piece of fabric fits best into a particular category. Some category ideas might include boxers, briefs, panties and sports bras.

One way to begin organizing is to examine each piece of clothing. Try it on. Does it still fit? Is it something that can be worn in the future? If not throw it out. Whittle down to what you actually use. The next step is to separate garments into two categories, work and non-work. For men these categories might blur and not take much thought but women might have more sub-categories such as work and non work bras, full coverage underwear, boy-cut styles, or thongs depending on the degree of coverage and the look that’s needed. Organizing by color is also another popular way to go.

Have different boxes and containers for different types of underwear. G-strings could be in one container while boxer briefs are in another. You may want to line the containers first with self-adhesive tape. Lining a container protects soft fabrics and increases their longevity. Remove the lids to the containers and place the entire container in the drawer.
Containers come in all types as well. If you’d like to place all undergarments of one type together in one container then that is a fine solution. Also available, however, are drawer separator options that allow you to actually place one piece of underwear in its own cubicle area. Some are spring-loaded which will enable you to conserve more space than ever by helping you minimize the space per garment.

How you place the garments in these containers is up to you. Folding is an option. This can keep your garments in good shape and increase your available space. To save space consider storing underwear one layer deep. This is also helpful in minimizing the time it takes to search for something you want. Bras can be folded one cup into another while certain very sensitive pieces, like delicate lingerie, might need to actually be hung up so details like lace won’t get damaged. If folding or hanging is not for you and too tedious, there’s nothing wrong with simply rolling your underwear into a ball and throwing them into the containers.

There are endless ways to organize an underwear drawer. As personal as underwear is, so are the ways they can be organized. No matter how you do it, just keep in mind that you’ll want easy access to what you’ll need.