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T-shirt

How To Shop Ethically For T-Shirts And Clothing

T-shirt

For years we have been hearing about how much of the clothing that we wear in the Western World is produced in sweat shops around the world in poor countries, where primarily women and children work for next to nothing in horrible conditions. For many people this issue has become a preoccupation in their lives. They have set about striving to shut down sweatshops and create fair working conditions for these workers, and to rally for children’s rights in order to make sure children are not used for such purposes.

The individual who is concerned with the how their T-shirts and other clothing are made can find out more information by doing some research. It is easy enough to decide how to shop ethically if you know that basically all clothing that comes from certain countries is made in sweatshops. By boycotting clothing made under unethical conditions you are refusing to support the owners of such factories in their continued abuse of the available labor in their area.

There are also a variety of companies that specialize in sweatshop free apparel and can be found be doing a simple Internet search. There are also specific brands that have been created which focus on fair trade or things that have been made with a living wage. Many organic lines are made under fair trade conditions.

Another way to ensure that the T-shirts and clothing you buy are made in an environment that treats their employees ethically is by buying only American and Canadian products. The clothing industry in these two countries are free of sweatshop conditions and prove to be good ethical choices for the things you wear. Therefore you can rest assured that you are shopping ethically when you see Made in the USA or Made in Canada.

If you are looking to build a brand new wardrobe of T-shirts that are all made in places that pay their employees a living wage and do not use child labor, a great place to start is with custom-made T-shirts. It is particularly easy to find organic cotton tees to have printed that are made under ethical conditions. When you have selected the tee you want in the style and color you desire you can have it customized to your taste. The choices of things to put on a T-shirt are endless.

You can educate others about shopping ethically by putting a one-liner on your T-shirt like one of the ones below.
•    Where was your shirt made?
•    Fair trade only
•    Kids need fair trade
•    A living wage is a family value
•    Did a child make your shirt?

You can also put a symbol, a photo or a drawing on a T-shirt that speaks about fair trade. You can even put a paragraph of information if you want. It is the perfect way to spread awareness of the need for more people to buy with a social conscious.

Kelly Clarkson

How to Dress Like Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson is known for her cute stage outfits and her interesting sense of style. Much of her look is retro 80’s glamour mixed with the latest in today’s fashions. One of the looks that immediately mark an outfit as something that Kelly Clarkson would wear is a tank top with black fishnet over it. Black fishnet is featured in many of her looks, including fishnet stockings and a black fishnet shirt worn over a black bikini top.

T-Shirts

Camis are one of the many types of shirts that Kelly Clarkson wears regularly. Her camis are always small and tightly fitting. For a stage show, she often opts for a black cami that is dressed up with lots of jewelry and other accessories.

When she’s dressed down for a casual day of errands, Kelly Clarkson often wears t-shirts that are tight fitting along with a casual pair or jeans or khaki pants. Her t-shirts are often in neutral colors such as various shades of beige, white or black. She also loves to wear band t-shirts that promote her favorite groups. To get her look, wear a black t-shirt that has your favorite band’s logo on the front. Pair the t-shirt with a pair of distressed, light blue jeans. Because she sometimes wears ripped jeans, you can tear your jeans across the knees or just above the knee to copy her look.

Gloves

Another of her 80’s retro accessories is her fingerless gloves. She often wears these in black when she is performing, and she has been photographed at dressy events wearing these accessories as well. If these gloves are hard to find, get a pair of black driving gloves and cut off the fingers.

Dresses

Kelly Clarkson is known for her amazing dresses. Though she is more often seen wearing her casual or stage outfits, she always shines in long, formal dresses. To find a dress that looks like Kelly Clarkson’s style, look for a dress in a neutral color. She wears long dresses in beige, light khaki and off-white. Make sure the dress has an interesting shape, such as tiers of fabric or an unusual waistline.

Kelly Clarkson’s dresses are never boring, and the dress you choose should have a simple neckline but a dramatic shape elsewhere. The dress can either have short sleeves or it may be strapless.  Wear the strappiest pair of heels you can find with your Kelly Clarkson-style dress. Find a pair with an ankle strap and a strap across the toes if you can. She has worn shoes with this style many times for formal occasions and in promotional photos.

Belts

Kelly Clarkson often wears belts on stage and in her personal life. She prefers wide belts that get attention. Sometimes, she wears a large belt buckle in the front as an extra accessory. The belt itself can be metallic and have a chain pattern, or it may have a basket weave design. Sometimes her belts are plain leather belts with an oval belt buckle to dress them up.

Breastfeeding

What Are the Best Shirts for Breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding

For breastfeeding, comfort and ease of access are the key elements that make a shirt one that will make the process of breastfeeding easier. In order to achieve comfort and access, there are several styles that work well while breastfeeding.

The main issue for many breastfeeding mothers is to have something that will allow them quick and easy access without revealing too much to strangers or to other family members. A large t-shirt that fits loosely can be easily pulled up when it’s time to feed without exposing too much. To get the size large enough, aim for at least two sizes larger than you would normally wear.

Other options include shirts that are specially made for breastfeeding mothers. These shirts sometimes have a panel across the front that can be lifted up for easy, direct access. These panel shirts often have a loose panel that covers a slit across the bust to allow the baby’s head and the bust to be covered by the panel, hiding the feeding from view. These shirts are perfect for wearing out in public and in private.

Some breastfeeding shirts have buttons across the front to allow the shirt to be opened when it’s time to feed. Sometimes the buttons are covered by a panel of fabric to hide the opening, and sometimes the buttons function like a sideways version of a button-up shirt. It may be necessary to use two hands to undo these shirts, however, making it harder to get access if you are holding the baby. These shirts also may not be as discrete as shirts that have a flat to hide the baby’s head while feeding.

Other breastfeeding shirts are wrap shirts that can be unwrapped in order to allow feeding. The wrap shirt usually wraps to one side, allowing one side at a time to be opened by pulling back the wrap. These are often good choices for mothers with small busts, but they may not provide sufficient support for other mothers, and they don’t offer a discrete panel that will hide the baby’s feeding.

A tank top is a great type of shirt to wear while breastfeeding because the top is easy to pull down for baby’s feedings. The tank top should fit loosely so that it’s easy to pull down one side of the tank top with one hand, if necessary. These are often comfortable to wear at home for feedings, but they may not be the best items to wear in public for breastfeeding, as they will reveal the bust during feedings.

Another style is the tie-front breastfeeding shirt. These shirts have a slit across the bust that is hidden by two panels that are tied together in the front of the shirt. When the shirt is ties, it looks like a fashionable shirt with an interesting waistline. But when the panels are untied, the mother has easy access for breastfeeding. These are good for feeding either in private or in public because the feeding can be hidden by the panels.

Hayden Panettiere

How to Dress Like Hayden Panettiere

Hayden Panettiere

Hayden Panettiere is a trendsetting young star with a fun, youthful style that is fun to wear for any occasion. While she wears clothes that give her look a feeling of sophistication, she isn’t afraid to pair her outfits with fun accessories or shoes that keep the outfit fun and age appropriate.

Dresses

Hayden Panettiere wears a lot of dresses. She wears them almost exclusively to her events and photo opportunities, rarely opting for slacks for those occasions. To get her dressy look, wear a brightly colored dress with a wide belt. Hayden Panettiere knows how great she looks in red, and it has become a signature color for the young star. To get her look, try a dress in bright red and use dark accessories to set off the brightness of the red.

One of Hayden Panettiere’s favorite ways to do this is to make everything else in her outfit black to make the red that much more eye-catching. Wear a pair of black shoes with a black belt and small black earrings to really set off the color of your dress.

When you choose your Hayden Panettiere dress, keep it simple. Choose one that has a low-cut neckline but that is simple in style and shape. Let the color do all the talking for your dress. Choose a dress that is about knee length of slightly longer to get the full Hayden Panettiere look.

Shoes

Hayden Panettiere loves the high heeled, pointy-toe shoe look that is so popular in shoes right now. To get this look, choose a plain pair of high heels in a dark color, especially in black. Make sure the shoes have the pointiest toes that you can in order to capture the look. Her shoes are usually one color and free from any sparkles or other adornments.

Sometimes, Hayden Panettiere wears peep-toe high heels in metallic colors. Some of these shoes have an ankle strap. If you’re wearing a light colored-dress, try a pair of gold, strappy high heels with a pep-toe front to get this look.

Roman-style sandals are also a favorite of Hayden Panettiere. They can be worn in either brown or in gold to get her casual look. She has been seen several times in a pair of Miu Miu gold gladiator sandals. She often wears this style of sandal along with a long skirt or a pair of dark pants.

Accessories

The place where Hayden Panettiere really shows her fun side is in her accessories. If you want to get her look, try jewelry with a lot of color and personality. A bracelet with lots of charms or one that has large, colorful spots on it are something that Hayden Panettiere would feel right at home in. When you wear earrings, wear something fun that fits well into your outfit. No matter what Hayden Panettiere wears, she always keeps everything together in one cohesive look. Your earrings can be big and full of color, but make sure they are the same colors that are found in your outfit.

Wet t-shirt 1

Not Your Mama’s Beauty Pageant: A History of the Wet T-Shirt Contest

Wet t-shirt 1

Moms and dads enter their adorable tykes in those baby beauty contests everyday. Darling little girls with bouncing curls and frilly dresses are a beauty pageant staple. And who hasn’t spent a few hours in front of the TV, watching regal, tanned goddesses stroll across the stage at the Miss America Pageant or the Miss Universe Pageant? There’s something irresistible about watching lots of beautiful people, young or old, compete to decide who is the MOST beautiful. It’s just one of those quirks of human nature, even as we try to teach our kids that “it’s what’s on the inside that really matters” or “everyone is beautiful in their own way.”

The wet t-shirt contest has all the makings of a beauty pageant, combined with a heavy dose of sex appeal. Sex, in fact, is the number one draw here, with classic beauty and poise taking a back seat to plain old big boobs. No one knows exactly where the first wet t-shirt contest took place, or whose idea it was (though we can logically assume the genius was of the male gender). Some claim that the wet t-shirt contest was inspired by the opening scenes of the 1977 movie “The Deep,” in which Jacqueline Bisset swam in a t-shirt. Today the competitions are the domain of bars, nightclubs, resorts and similar establishments that are looking to draw a big crowd with the lure of sneak-a-peeks.

Wet t-shirt contests are a staple of spring break celebrations at locations such as Daytona Beach and Cancun, and typically involve lots of big-breasted young women (though male versions of the contest do exist). Participants wear white or light-colored t-shirts, tank tops or crop tops, sans bras or other undergarments. At the height of the contest, water is sprayed or poured onto the contestant (we’re pretty sure that job is one that’s not hard to fill among the men), making the material see-through and revealing the breasts. Each girl may dance or pose for the crowd, with the ultimate winner determined by crowd reaction or a panel of judges.

Wet t-shirt contests have always been viewed as risqué, and occasionally become the subject of controversy locally and nationally. In 1998, an airplane flight carrying a group of Portland, Ore., high school students to Mexico following graduation became notorious for a wet t-shirt contest held en route. Flight attendants encouraged the contest, and airline pilots supposedly acted as judges, disobeying FAA regulations that prohibited passengers in the cockpit. An investigation followed, and the pilots were disciplined for sexual misconduct.

In 2005, a 17-year-old Florida teenager brought a federal suit against Playboy, Anheuser-Busch and other companies regarding video of her appearance in a Daytona Beach wet t-shirt contest the previous year. While the girl admitted that she had lied about her age to participate, her suit claimed that as a minor she was unable to give consent to participate or be taped while performing. The suit was later settled. A similar suit was brought against Deslin Hotels, “Girls Gone Wild” and various websites in 2007, by two girls who participated in a 2001 Daytona Beach wet t-shirt contest.

2009

Top 10 Fashion Trends of 2009

2009

Fashion trends for 2009 include a rainbow of delicious colors, exotic prints, interesting fabrics and bold accessories. With most buyers scaling down their clothing budgets due to a tightened economy, fashion is becoming very focused. Make the most of your wardrobe dollars by choosing a few quality garments and accessories that capture the essence of 2009 fashion.

1.    Vibrant colors. In an effort to cheer a somewhat gloomy outlook, vibrant, electric, delicious colors are pulsing through the fashion scene. Fuchsia, electric blue, bright lemon yellow, vivid citrus greens, and deep purples top the list of popular colors. Soft pastels are also making a showing, so if you aren’t quite ready for the neons, try a garment in lavender or dusty rose. Slate Grey is one of the few neutrals currently seen on the runways, and is elegant for daytime or evening wear.

2.    The dress. Dresses are everywhere, especially those with asymmetric looks. Designs tend to be more modest and offer greater coverage than the previous strapless trends. The one-shoulder dress is a top pick for evening wear, as worn by First Lady Michelle Obadiah at the Inaugural Ball. Other dress styles include those with draped Grecian designs, full-length maxi dresses and 60’s inspired A-lines.

3.    Exotic patterns and materials. This year exotic prints, animal prints and tribal-inspired designs are everywhere, giving fashion fans lots of variety to choose from. The tribal motif continues on shoes and accessories with accents such as bead work, lots of fringe, and Southwest color palettes.

4.    Sheer fabrics. Sheer fabrics have quickly risen to become a leading trend. Fortunately for the average wearer, this style isn’t about baring it all, but more about adding interest and elegance to a look. Sheers are draped, flowing and layered.

5.    Jumpsuits. Believe it or not, the Dynasty-era women’s jumpsuit is back in a big way. Current styles include both fitted and drape cuts in a huge variety of fabrics and prints. Add a wide belt for instant chic.

6.    Harem pants. MC Hammer would fit right in with the current harem pant craze. This super comfortable look features a very loose cut through the thigh and crotch area, then gradually tapers to the knee, ankle or leg. It can be paired with just about any shoe, from sandals to boots.

7.    Statement jewelry. Jewelry is big and bold, and includes everything you could find at a vintage shop: chunky necklaces, exotic bangles and bracelets, massive rings and costume brooches.

8.    Accents such as flowers and bows. Feminine touches include pretty 3D floral accents at the shoulder, waistline and hem. Ruffles and bows are another recurring theme, particularly along hemlines. These girl accents also adorn accessories.

9.    An emphasis on the shoulder and sleeve. Eye-catching accents are everywhere on clothing these days, especially at the shoulder. Shoulders are receiving a lot of attention from the fashion world as the one-shoulder design peaks in popularity. Puffed, leg of mutton, bating, cap and kimono … regardless of what they’re called, sleeves are also hot.

10.    Daring shoes. Mile-high heels in interesting colors and textures, along with the bold gladiator sandal, are back this season.

Kristin Cavallari

How to Dress Like Kristin Cavallari

Kristin Cavallari

Kristin Cavallari is well known for her enviable style. She has a style that reflects her beach-going lifestyle that so many people want to capture. The look is laid back but stylish at the same time.

Tops

Like her laid-back lifestyle, her tops are no-fuss shirts that aren’t too tightly fitting. The tops are usually in easy-going colors like light gray and pastels. She also wears a lot of white shirts that are loose and low cut. The shirts should be slightly too large but they should still show the shape of the figure. She chooses shirts that are made from clingy fabrics to make this look possible.

She is also known for her sheer tops. She famously wore a sheer black top that was worn with a white bra under it. This look got her plenty of attention and it’s easy to emulate. This look can also be worn in reverse, with a sheer white top and a black bra worn under it. To get this look, make sure the bra color contrasts enough so that it will be visible under the shirt.

A white tank top is another simple look that Kristin Cavallari is known for. A simple tank top can be dressed up with an over shirt or it can be worn on its own for a seaside look. She sometimes builds on the tank top look by wearing a white tank top that has more detailed styling on it. A shirt that has ruffles or lace on it is a perfect Kristin Cavallari shirt.

Skirts

Kristin Cavallari wears a lot of denim skirts as a part of her laid-back look. It’s an easy style that can be found anywhere and goes with everything. It’s the kind of look that can be thrown on as you run down to the beach. The skirts can be paired with anything that is loose fitting and low cut. If the tops have an interesting neckline with a contrasting color at the neckline or some extra details there, the look will be complete.

Another hot look that she often wears is a simple white skirt. A white skirt evokes images of easy-going times at the beach, and it can be paired with anything at all for a cohesive look. Keep the white skirt short for a flirty look.

Jewelry

Kristin Cavallari almost always wears jewelry. In keeping with her breezy style, the jewelry should be small and should be gold in color. Look for simple gold necklaces and one thin gold bracelet. If you wear earrings, keep those small as well.

Handbags

To get her handbag look, go for designer looks made form black leather. She loves to wear a large, slouchy leather bag in black. She usually pairs the black handbag with a pair of black shoes, sometimes in black leather to more closely match the style of the handbag. Keep the handbag large to match the current style of huge handbags. The straps should be short and the bag is carried over the arm rather than on the shoulder.

Movie clothes

How Do You Find Clothes To Buy That You Saw In A Movie?

Movie clothes

When you watch a movie, often you see fantastic outfits that you immediately want to add to your very own wardrobe. They are often unique, cutting edge, stylish ensembles put together by professional stylists who have made a career from fashion. The looks we see in the movies are often things we would never think to put together or brand new styles for the coming season. When we leave the movie theatre, the problem is finding the clothes we fell in love with on the big screen.

In order to track down the movie clothes you want, your search should begin online. Do a Google search for the name of the movie and the word style or fashion. You will be amazed at how many celebrity watch sites exist to help provide you with the information you are looking for. They will tell you what designers were worn during the movie, where you can buy knock-offs to copy the look and more.

You will be surprised to learn that many of the styles you see in the movies can be found in many common mall stores, at consignment shops and from online retailers. Even though there are movies where the outfits are completely designer duds, these are by far the exception rather than the rule. Stylists charged with outfitting a crew of actors with multiple ensembles must do so, on a budget. Therefore they must scour every option for creating great looks at good prices. That means, you can do so too.

Another way to find out where to buy clothing you saw in a movie is to do a search for the actor or actress who wore the item. Often clothing worn during a movie becomes the property of the actor or actress who donned it. Finding buying information for clothing that a particular actor or actress wears is quite easy. There are numerous websites that are devoted to following the fashion styles of celebrities. Such sites will provide links to other sites where you can buy the item in question or you may even be able to buy directly from the fashion website.

When you see clothing in a movie that greatly appeals to you, make a note of exactly what it looked like or draw a picture of it, if you are gifted artistically. Then bring your description to stores that are likely to carry the style you are looking for. Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters, Banana Republic and many other stores are common places for stylists to visit in their search for wardrobes. Salespeople in such stores will be pleased to help you find the look you are seeking.

Armed with a good description of the outfit or item you are looking for, you may also do an online search. Don’t be too specific and keep key words short in your search. You may just be surprised at how many hits you will get for the item you are looking to buy.  If you have fallen in love with a certain movie look, take heart. There are numerous options you have available to you to help you find the articles of clothing you are looking for.

Body type

How to Dress for My Body Type

Body type

The way you dress should be influenced by the shape of your body. Your body shape is the biggest indicator of what you should be wearing. To understand your own shape and what will look best on it, you need to know what kind of body shape you actually have. There are four types of body shapes and each one has its own best clothing styles that will flatter it.

Apple Shapes

A person with an apple shape has more weight on their upper body than their lower body. They carry some extra weight, and that weight is generally carried around their middle. If this is your shape, then you need to choose clothing that will not cling to your figure. There are clothing styles that will skim over your stomach instead of making it more noticeable. Something with an empire waist will emphasize your bust while skimming over your stomach. Draw attention to your legs by wearing short skirts or skirts and pants that are brightly colored with a dark colored top.

Pear Shapes

You are a pear shape if you have more weight around your thighs and hips. The result is a torso that is shaped like a pear. If you have a pear shape, you need to try to balance your shape to make yourself look larger on top. This will de-emphasize your hips and thighs. Choose tops with wide neck lines to help create this balance. Stay away from any shirt that fits too tightly. This will make your upper body look smaller. Wear a brighter color on top than you do on bottom to help the eye balance the two. This will draw the eye upward and take the attention away from your problem areas.

Hourglass Shapes

A person with an hourglass shape is someone who has a full bust as well as full hips with a defined waist in the middle. If you have this shape, it’s easy to make yourself look heavier by wearing items that are not tailored well. If you wear something with a very high neckline, it can make you look for heavier than something with a scoop neck. You should also try to wear something that has a waistline in it. If you don’t have anything with a tailored waistline, wear a belt to show off your waist. Stay away from clothes that are too baggy to stiff because they can add bulk to your figure and make you look heavier.

Rectangle Shapes

Someone with a rectangle shape has a straight shape that is not very curvy. Their weight is distributed very evenly without any real problem areas. The challenge with the rectangle shape is to make it look as if you have a defined waist and a larger bust. You may also want it to look like you have larger hips. To do this, wear items that define areas of your figure rather than making everything look the same. A top that is low-cut and draws attention to the bust will make your bust look larger, while an item that has a waist feature such as a tailored waist or a belt will make your waist look smaller.

Justin Timberlake

How to Dress Like Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake prides himself as being a trend-setting dresser among his peers. In addition to sparking some of the trends often seen on young Hollywood star, he also has his own clothing line. To get started wearing Justin Timberlake’s look, take a look at his clothing designs, called William Rast. The clothing line is mainly known for its high-dollar jeans with a V mark on the back pocket. The line also has jackets and many styles of tops to choose from.

To get further into Justin Timberlake’s personal style, start wearing some of the trends that he made famous. One of the things he is proud of doing is starting the trucker hat craze that swept Holly wood and then the rest of the country. Look for a trucker hat when any saying on it, particularly vintage hats that have John Deere or other commercial logos on them. Pair the trucker hat with a pair of faded jeans and a vintage t-shirt for a complete Justin Timberlake look.

If the trucker hat look isn’t something you’d like to wear, try wearing a fedora instead. A short-brimmed fedora in either a dark color or in white or beige will evoke the famous look that Justin Timberlake has been wearing for years. He often pairs a dark fedora with a hooded shirt or a t-shirt. One of his famous looks is a white fedora that is worn with a white suit. To get this look, pair a thin black tie with a white suit, complete with a white vest. Then, top it off with a white fedora with a black band over the brim.
Justin Timberlake is often seen wearing designer jeans with a t-shirt and a hooded sweatshirt over it. This is a casual look that he seems most comfortable in, and wearing this outfit is an easy way to get his everyday look.

Sneakers

No matter what he has on, Justin Timberlake is wearing sneakers. Whether he’s wearing one of his suits, a stage outfit for performing or one of his casual outfits, he always has on a matching pair of sneakers. To get his style, just keep up with the very latest sneakers and make sure the color goes with your outfit. Stock up with dozens of pairs and wear them with everything.

Vests

Justin Timberlake has always been a big fan of vests. They dress up otherwise casual outfits and make dressy outfits look more interesting and unique. Justin Timberlake wears vests over t-shirts, over sweatshirts and always wears them with his suits. One of his dressy looks is to wear a thin, straight tie in black or navy blue and to pair it with a gray vest and a pair of dressy pants. Sometimes the pants match the vest and other times he chooses pants that coordinate but that aren’t the same color. If you were to pair this look with one of Justin Timberlake’s trademark fedoras, there would be little doubt that it’s Justin Timberlake’s style you’re emulating.

Leather jacket 1

Are T-Shirts With Leather Jackets Fashionable?

Leather jacket 1

A t-shirt worn with a leather jacket is one of the most classic looks that has ever come out of North America. The t-shirt and leather jacket combination is one that has always been a part of the wardrobe of young people. As far back as the 1930s, people were pairing their t-shirts with their leather jackets for a casual look that was effortless and that looked great.

The look was especially popular in the 1950s, as rock stars and actors like James Dean wore the look and gave it a reputation of being for rebels. Rebels of all types have loved the look ever since. Whether they are rebels against society, rebels against fashion or just those with rebellious hearts, leather jackets paired with a t-shirt will sum up that rebelliousness perfectly.

Modern stars like Shia LaBeouf and Jessica Biel continue to wear the t-shirt and leather jacket look as part of their own signature style. Jessica Biel wears it as an updated tomboy look, much like Amelia Earhart’s famous leather bomber jacket look. Jessica pairs her jacket with long-sleeved t-shirts of all colors and styles. Shia LaBeouf wears his leather jackets 50’s style, with a crew-neck t-shirt for that James Dean look.

To get any of the many retro or modern looks from this outfit is easy. Choose a t-shirt that has a color that will complement the leather jacket. If you are wearing a brown leather jacket, you can opt for a white t-shirt for a retro 50’s look, or you can pair it with a khaki t-shirt for a more updated look. Pairing the jacket with a green, blue or other bright color will transform the outfit into your own unique look.

The leather jacket you choose will also have a lot to do with how fashionable your look is. Thick, black leather jackets with plenty of zippers have come back into style recently. Many stars have been seen wearing these jackets, and they are easy to pair with a t-shirt of any style of color. Wearing a black t-shirt with one of these jackets is a quick way to get a fashionable rebellious look.

For a softer look, go for a light brown distressed leather bomber jacket. These have never gone out of style, and they look great with just about any color t-shirt. For an adventurous look, wear it with a khaki t-shirt. For a feminine look, choose a pink, yellow or pastel t-shirt to wear under the jacket. For a funky, unique look, through a t-shirt over a long dress and wear the leather jacket over them both.

One of the reasons that the t-shirt and leather jacket combo is so easy to wear is that it goes great with jeans of any style. The look will work with distressed jeans, intact jeans, light jeans, dark jeans- any color will do. Just throw on your most comfortable jeans, grab your favorite t-shirt and add a leather jacket and your fashionable look is complete.

Michael Jackson

How to Dress Like Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson’s untimely death has reminded the world of his many contributions to music as well as to fashion. Though Michael Jackson is gone, his music and his style will live on.

Iconic Outfits

In the 80s there were several looks that Michael Jackson created and introduced to his legions of fans. One of his most iconic looks was the red leather jacket with black diagonal lines that formed a V-shape in the front. The jacket was worn with matching red pants and black loafers. This outfit can be copied by choosing a loose red leather jacket and wearing it with red pants that match the jacket as closely as possible.

In the 90s, he became known for his long black jackets and matching black pants. Unlike the loose red jacket, the black jackets were worn in a form-fitting cut that fit tightly on the arms. The jackets often had some military styling such as large gold buttons down the front, epaulets or military-style scrolling embroidered at the cuffs. Other black jackets had black sequined details.

A black fedora was often worn with the outfits, particularly with the black and white outfits. For an outfit that instantly recognizable as Michael Jackson’s style, wear a black or red jacket with black pants and black shoes. Air the outfit with a black fedora with a white band around it.

White T-Shirts

Michael Jackson often wore a plain white t-shirt under his jackets or alone without a jacket. A common outfit of his was a pair of straight black pants, a white t-shirt and black loafers. When the t-shirt was worn under a jacket it was sometimes a crew neck t-shirt. But most of the time, he wore a plain v-neck t-shirt with or without a jacket.

Socks and Glove

One of the most recognizable aspects of Michael Jackson’s outfits are the white socks that he always wore. No matter the color of the pants, pair a Michael Jackson outfit with either plain white socks or white socks with a slight silver sparkle to them. Wearing a black suit with black loafers and bright white socks is a classic Michael Jackson look.

In the 80s, Michael Jackson earned himself the nickname “The Gloved One” because of his trend-setting single glove. To get the look of his glove, wear a glove on the right hand. The glove should be white with lots of rhinestones or silver sequins on it to give it some sparkle. His stage gloves had sparkles only on the back side of the glove to make it easier to hold a microphone while his appearance gloves had sparkles all the way around. Either type will evoke the style of Michael Jackson.

Armbands

Most of his outfits over the past 20 years have featured an armband tied around his right around halfway between the shoulder and the elbow. To get this look, wind a piece of fabric in a contrasting color around the right arm. If the shirt or jacket is black, wear a red or black armband. If the shirt is white, wear a red or black armband.

Tie color

Tie One On: What Color Tie to Wear

Tie color

While picking out the right tie to match an ensemble is a talent that comes naturally to most wives and girlfriends, for a man this knack often proves elusive. Choosing a tie that will coordinate with your clothes and be appropriate for the occasion does require a bit of practice, so keep the following guidelines in mind.

1.    A tie should complement the colors of your ensemble, but not match them exactly. First, consider the dress shirt you will be wearing with the tie. A dark-colored tie would simply blend into a dark-colored shirt, so a tie in a light color would be a better choice. Conversely, a white or bright shirt should be toned down with a darker tie. Avoid wearing a striped tie with a striped dress shirt unless the pattern of the shirt is very subtle.

2.    Choose a patterned tie whose dominant color matches your trousers. For the color challenged, this is a safe way to ensure clothing coordinates appropriately. If the trousers you are wearing are navy blue, select a tie whose dominant color (the color that occupies the most space in the pattern) is also navy blue.

3.    Another trick is to choose a dress shirt that coordinates with one of the secondary colors of your tie (the colors that don’t take up as much room in the pattern as the dominant colors). Find a dress shirt that matches one of these colors, and you will be well on your way to dressing like a fashion pro.

4.    Try doing a gradation of color by selecting a shirt and tie that are the same color, but in lighter or darker shades. For example, pair a light blue dress shirt with a medium blue tie.

5.    For business interviews and important meetings, keep your tie color classic and conservative. Dark blue and dark red ties are a conservative choice and look good on just about every man.

6.    Never wear ties with pictures or cartoons to work, unless you are working in an informal environment.

7.    Your choice of tie color can also reveal clues about your personality. If you would like to project a certain image (or avoid projecting a negative image), here are the underlying meanings of certain colors.

•    Red. Red communicates power, dominance and attention, hence the name “power tie.” It makes you stand out from the crowd and establishes you as a leader ready to take on challenges.

•    Peach or pink. These colors convey good health and a positive attitude, and also have calming effects.

•    Black. A man who wears black assumes an air of authority, power and neatness. Due to its elegance and simplicity, black is a classic choice for formalwear, and for the man who always wants to be in style.

•    Gray. A gray tie conveys that its wearer is ambitious.

•   Blue. Blue is the right choice for a man who wants to appear sincere, calm and confident. Blue gives an impression of leadership which is more humble than red.

•    Yellow. Youth, hope and happiness are associated with this tie color.

Agyness Deyn

How To Dress Like Agyness Deyn

Agyness Deyn

Agyness Deyn is a hot, young British model who is well on her way to becoming a supermodel. Her short, cropped blond hair which is typically worn in a bed head style is her signature look. Her unusual name was one she adopted to further her modeling career. Her birth name was Laura Hollins. She has moved to New York City for her work and is engaged to a rocker. She is a strikingly beautiful model who has a very unusual sense of fashion.

Dressing like Agyness Deyn means creating an eclectic look. You will need to invest in a variety of things old and new to help create a look that is funky but works at the same time. Her style is very unusual and the press goes back and forth between referring to her as a fashionista and just plain weird. She has a tendency to mix styles, colors, textures and seasons to create a look that is uniquely her own. If you are looking to dress like Agyness Deyn, be prepared for funny looks, comments and have a snappy remark or two ready.

Agyness tends to bounce back and forth between a rather bland mix of colors like black, gray and white and outlandish outfits in shades of purple, red or multi-colored outfits. She also favors bold designs and prints. She is big into layering her clothes and tends to add some item of clothing that has texture to create added interest. When layering, there is often a printed T-shirt somewhere in the mix. She is big into tights, leggings and skinny jeans. She also has a wide variety of different coats for casual wear and even fur ones for special events.

In terms of accessories, Agyness loves them all. Even knee socks make it into her wardrobe. Tights are a staple and are necessary in a variety of colors, though black is most important. Long necklaces are a feature in her accessories. She is not attached to a big bag like many celebrities, but favors clutches and medium-sized shoulder bags. She will also be seen with big bags in a variety of colors though.

Shoes are always an interesting feature of her outfits, sometimes adding unusual color while other times adding an unusual design. She also likes Dr. Martens and other military style boots. Agyness also has a thing for hats, from fedoras to knit caps, and hoods. She often has her cropped hair covered. Scarves are another fashion accessory she uses often, especially in the winter.

To put the finishing touches on dressing like Agyness Deyn, you can copy her hair and makeup looks. A cropped, bleached blond look is not one that everyone can necessarily pull off though, so give it some consideration before making that change. Her makeup tends to be pale with dark eyes and eyebrows, though is not overdone.

Get started on your Agyness Deyn wardrobe now for an up and coming super model look.

Business casual

Business Casual for Women Guide

Business casual

Business Casual is the standard in work wear for most women. Most businesses, with some exceptions, are content for their employees to dress in a professional yet casual manner. However, the drawback with stating that the dress code is business casual is that not everyone understands exactly what it is and what it isn’t. Knowing what business casual entails for a work environment is definitely critical information for every employee in that type of firm.

Business casual is made up of a wide variety of different women’s clothing. In fact, it may even be somewhat different from company to company. Here are some of the standard business casual clothes for women:

•    modest dresses
•    mix and match suits
•    slacks
•    sweaters
•    blouses
•    solid T-shirts layered with another top
•    dressy T-shirts of good quality
•    cardigans
•    skirts
•    Capri pants

As a general rule, business casual is not as formal as standard business wear, but is not as casual as street clothes. Many articles of clothing can be suitable for business clothing or not depending on the condition they are in. A new T-shirt that is ironed may be perfectly acceptable in a business casual outfit, however an older tee that is faded, has lost its shape or requires ironing is not acceptable. Neatness and a pulled together look are essential to business casual. So be sure to iron your clothes, match them up and keep them in good repair.

Certain items are never considered acceptable for a business casual environment. Knowing which ones they are will help you to avoid fashion mistakes in the workplace. Some attire that is definitely not business casual includes:

•    flip flops
•    worn T-shirts
•    torn jeans
•    sweat pants
•    sweat shirts
•    short shorts
•    tank tops
•    business suits
•    pantyhose
•    uniforms
•    sleeveless shirts
•    mini skirts
•    revealing outfits
•    lingerie as regular clothes
•    scrubs

To complicate the category of business casual even further, there are some items that are maybes. Some attire that is considered to be business casual in certain companies but not in others are:

•    jeans
•    printed T-shirts
•    shorts
•    sandals
•    polo shirts

The best thing to do is to check your company’s guidelines thoroughly in order to avoid wearing something that does not fit your firm’s dress code. If they are one of the looser ones, you should still err on the side of neatness and being conservative. Keep necklines and hems respectable. Do up most of your buttons. Do not opt for T-shirts with offensive or questionable text on them. Press your clothes in order to look sharp.

Business casual is meant to provide a more affordable style of dress for work and a more relaxed environment for the office. Be sure you are completely familiar with your firm’s standards when it comes to business casual. It is better to be overdressed than too casual. If you have doubts about what to wear, emulate the look of your supervisor. In fact, it’s always a good idea to dress for the level you want to be at rather than the level you are presently working at.

Anne Hathaway

How to Dress Like Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway is known or her simple, elegant style. To get her look, it’s important to use a number of classic pieces for your everyday style and to choose the latest dress styles for your nighttime look.

Dresses

Anne Hathaway’s red carpet look is all about simple glamour. She loves to wear bright colors in simple lines that flatter her figure. The dresses that she likes best when she’s out in front of the photographers are short dresses that are about knee length or slightly shorter. The dresses are usually either strapless or they have thin straps.

She has been photographed in bright red and yellow dresses as well as deep purple, burgundy and black Her favorite colors for her glamorous occasions tend to be red and black monochromatic dresses. Most of her dresses have full skirts of plenty of draping around the skirt to create a tailored waistline that looks smaller. This is flattering to many figure types and can be done with some dresses by adding a slim belt.

One of her classic looks is a dress in black and white. If you want this look, find a dress that is mostly done in simple black but that has some white embellishments. This may be a white collar, a white printed design or white at the hem or cuffs. Some of her dresses have a small white jacket, white shrug or other white accessory that sets off he black of the dress. Make sure the dress has an interesting neckline and you have a dress that Anne Hathaway would love to wear.

Anne Hathaway loves pieces that look retro and have a simple 50s feminine silhouette. Her favorite fashion label is Channel because of their classic shapes and styles. To get her look, go for Channel pieces, especially vintage Channel.

Shoes

When Anne Hathaway is dressed up, her shoes are always impeccable. She wears Mac Jacobs, Manolo Blahnik and Prada shoes to just about every occasion. And, don’t be too ashamed to recycle shoes for different outfits if you want to dress like Anne Hathaway. She once admitted to owning only three pairs of high heels and rotating those three for five years. To get her shoe look, go for high-quality high heels that are strappy and solid colored. Get opened-toes shoes to get the complete look. Choose red, black or gold for your heels and pair them with coordinating dresses.

Accessories

When dressing like Anne Hathaway, keep the accessories small. While she does wear some jewelry, it is never the focal point of her outfit. She sometimes wears a small necklace or pair of earrings that are tasteful and sparkly. A simple pair of diamond studs and a necklace with a small diamond pendant would be perfect ways to complement an Anne Hathaway outfit.

When you choose a purse for your outfit, think small. Just like Anne Hathaway’s jewelry, her purses are tiny and not the focal point of her outfits. Choose a tiny cultch purse that will hold just the basics in order to get her handbag look.

Loafers

If You’ve Gotta Wear Loafers, Follow These Tips

Loafers

“Loafers” don’t just refer to your lazy, good-for-nothing in-laws. It’s also the name of a shoe style first seen in the 1930’s, one that has enjoyed popularity among both men and women’s footwear over the decades. Loafers are traditionally low and flat, although some styles do have a bit of heel (especially among the women’s versions). They slip on and off since there are no laces, and are often made of leather. “Penny loafers” became popular in the 1950’s, so named because people would place a penny in the gap at the top of each shoe for decoration.

Loafers were first observed in the States in the 1930’s, when Esquire magazine published photos of a moccasin-type leisure slipper imported from Norway. The shoe style was quickly adopted by Americans. The Spaulding family of New Hampshire soon began manufacturing them under the name “loafers.” Loafers were originally intended as a casual slipper to be worn in the home, but their popularity has helped them cross over to become an acceptable casual shoe.

In the 1980’s, loafers were all the rage as Tom Selleck, Don Johnson and TV’s hottest male starts sported them with their pleated shorts and khaki pants. The preppy penny loafer style has been en vogue as recently as the 1990’s, but loafers currently do not enjoy a place on the must-have style lists. If you’re one to stay on the cutting edge of fashion, we don’t recommend adding loafers to your shoe wardrobe. If fashion isn’t a primary concern and you absolutely must sport your favorite pair of loafers, here are some tips to keep in mind.

1.    Loafers are intended to have an upscale casual look, so avoid pairing them with jeans and t-shirts. For men, Bermuda shorts or khaki pants are good choices for a more sophisticated look.
2.    If you’re wearing loafers with pants, then wear dark socks.
3.    If you wear loafers with shorts, don’t wear socks. Especially don’t wear white socks, or you risk looking extremely nerdy.
4.    Loafers are fine choice when you’re relaxing at home because they’re so comfortable. The best part? No one but the dog will know what you wear with them!

Nicole Richie

How to Dress Like Nicole Richie

Nicole Richie

Nichole Richie’s fashion style is very relaxed, flowing and young. She does not gravitate towards tight fitting outfits usually, but instead seems to like the oversized clothing look. Most of her outfits that she has been spotted in during the past couple of years are very casual and do not reflect her former party girl reputation.

If you want to dress like Nicole Richie, it is quite easy. You will need to add some staples to your wardrobe to begin. Nicole is big on leggings and oversized button down shirts. She is often seen in layered ensembles, therefore laying staples like solid color tees are a necessity for your wardrobe. Lots of black is also a wardrobe staple for the Nicole look.

Accessories of all types are a major part of getting a Nicole style going. She has long been recognized as being a forerunner in style especially when it comes to sunglasses. She loves her oversized sunglasses. However, now she has gravitated away from the ultra dark big round glasses and oversized aviator glasses have taken their place. No Nicole outfit is complete without big sunglasses.

Nicole wears a ton of jewelry and much of it is in geometric shapes. From necklaces to earrings to bracelets, she incorporates unusual, striking jewelry into her outfits. She even has her own line of jewelry. Nicole also tends to have an oversized bag with her at all times as a part of her personal style. This useful accessory has long been her constant sidekick even before she needed to bring it along for diaper changes.

Nicole has a major thing for unusual shoes. She sometimes opts for metallic heels, animal print pumps, out-of-the-ordinary sandals, platform shoes and high boots. These are just a few of the shoe selections she has opted for recently.

For a dressy look, Nicole tends to go for very long flowing gowns that sweep the floor. Often these gowns are sleeveless but the material of the skirt just seems to go on forever. Many of these creations are also in busy prints. Such dresses will definitely make an impact. While Nicole has transformed from party girl to a more mature, stylish fashion maven especially when it comes to dressing up and going out.

When you want to emulate a celebrity style, a great place to start is by researching his or her style online. You will inevitably find a ton of information on the star, her outfits and where to buy them. Pictures of a variety of different outfits will also help you get an accurate view of the star’s true sense of fashion.

With a little research and a lot of shopping you can be on your way to successfully copying Nicole Richie’s fashion style.

Running

What to Wear While Running

Running

Exercise is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, and running is a great way to accomplish your exercise goals. Not only is running simple and free (forget the pricey gym memberships), it gives you an opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy the weather and beautiful scenery of all four seasons. If you are ready to give running a try, it’s important to wear the right apparel and footwear to stay comfortable and avoid injury.

Warm Weather Apparel

The apparel you choose for your run will depend heavily on the weather conditions and the area where you live. If the weather is very warm, start with a basic pair of runner’s shorts made from lightweight nylon or polyester (Check out Men’s Shorts, Women’s Shorts from Road Runner Sports). While you might be tempted to go shirtless, you will actually stay cooler and more comfortable by wearing a t-shirt made from a breathable fabric that pulls moisture away from the body. COOLMAX® is one such engineered fabric, and a variety of athletic apparel items are available in this material. Women may opt for a jog bra. If the weather is mild enough for a t-shirt but not yet warm enough for shorts, a pair of lightweight nylon jogging pants will keep your legs comfortable.

Cold Weather Apparel

When weather is brisk, dress in layers that can be easily removed once you warm up. A sweatshirt or jacket can be tied around the waist should you not need it anymore. Lycra tights are an essential layer for the legs when temperatures start to dip, and can be worn under loose jogging pants when cold weather becomes extreme. Similar to the engineered t-shirt, a long-sleeved shirt of engineered fabric will allow perspiration to escape and prevent your body from becoming cold and clammy on a winter day. Running jackets are another method to retain heat in frigid temperatures.

On cold days, a winter cap is a must to retain the maximum amount of body heat. Hats made especially for runners can be purchased at athletic shops. Finally, insulated gloves will keep hands from becoming dry and cracked in the cold.

Footwear

Proper footwear is the most important element of your running wardrobe. Of all the injuries a runner could sustain, foot problems due to improperly fitting footwear are the most likely. Running puts a great deal of stress on a foot, especially if you are running on paved surfaces. Feet have different characteristics, such as high or low arches, so it is important that you be properly fitted in a running shoe that will suit your foot type and keep you running in comfort. Never run in walking shoes or sport sandals, or you risk blisters and bruising on your feet.  Check out Runners World for a large number of running shoe reviews or purchase them online at Finish Line or Zappos.

Sun Protection

Don’t forget a hat or visor to keep the rays out of your eyes when you’re running. A good pair of sunglasses can prevent your eyes from tiring during a run, and sunblock with an SPF of 30 or higher will protect against sunburn and long-term skin damage. These items are especially important if you are a frequent runner.

Bra stretch

How Much Does a Bra Stretch?

Bra stretch

Recently someone asked, “How much will a bra stretch?” Well, the answer is rather tricky. Some bras are designed for specific purposes, like sports bras and nursing bras. They are intended for situations where you really need support in order to be comfortable yet the fabric must also be flexible (imagine playing basketball in a bustierre). Sports bras feature wider straps, broader cups and stronger construction to minimize bouncing. If you’re shopping for a sports bra, you want to find one that will support your girls but not be too hot or irritating to the skin.

For everyday wear that doesn’t include exercise or excess movement, there are a huge range of choices in bras. The factor that determines how much a bra will stretch is the material it is made of. Cotton has long been the staple for bra materials because it is so comfortable. Your first bra was probably made of cotton. Cotton allows the skin to breathe, and it also allows for a lot of stretch and support at the beginning. However, after a short time cotton starts to lose its elasticity, which means the bra will not provide you enough support. Another downside to the cotton bra is that the material is thin, so you risk looking pokey from the front. Cotton also fades much quicker than other materials.

Rayon is another popular bra material, especially in lower-end bras. Rayon has a silky feel to it and comes in lots of pretty patterns that look great on the rack. The downside of rayon is that it stretches and doesn’t regain its shape, and it’s also prone to wrinkles. Not a good choice for those looking for a seamless shape under their clothing.

Another popular bra material is lace, although a much different version than is used to make Aunt Martha’s curtains. Lace bras are usually made of polyester and spandex, or a similar blend which allows for some stretch. Polyester lace can provide quite a lot of support, depending on the heaviness of the fabric. The heavier the fabric, the more the support; the lighter the fabric, the more stretch it will have. If you’re a bigger-breasted woman, you should always choose support over stretch.

Another popular bra style is the molded cup, typically made from foam or fiberfill material. Molded bra cups are made on a heat press that imitates the breast shape. Molded cups look great under thin fabrics because they’re seamless and smooth, but they do not allow for stretch. If your breasts are too big for a molded bra, they will start to spill over the top and sides, ruining the smooth line you’re going for.

The most important consideration for choosing a bra is fit. It’s estimated that nearly eight out of every 10 women are wearing the wrong bra size, which can lead to discomfort during wear, neck and shoulder pain, chaffing and a host of related problems. A professional bra fitting is highly recommended to help you determine the right size. A professional can also give you further guidance on the best fabrics to choose for your needs.