Author Archives: admin

Lady t-shirts

Are T-Shirts Ladylike? What Makes T-Shirts Ladylike?

Lady t-shirts

Everyone has a different opinion about clothes. Some people think that anything and everything is fine to wear. Others have very specific beliefs about what is appropriate and what is not, especially when it comes to fashion. Still others believe that in some situations strict standards are necessary, while other situations are really a case of anything goes. For anyone who is wondering if T-shirts are ladylike, there are many things to take into consideration, not the least of them being the situation in which someone is wearing the tee.

There are some people who believe that T-shirts are not ladylike. However, for the most part, people today believe that T-shirts are as ladylike as any other item of clothing, especially since there are so many styles and looks to make certain T-shirts feminine and distinctively ladylike compared to other tees. Choosing a woman’s style T-shirt leaves no doubt in anyone’s mind about whether or not a T-shirt is ladylike.

T-shirts used to be simply unisex, meaning that the same cut of T-shirt and the same sizing would be used for both men and women. Often women would almost float in a T-shirt. However, luckily with time fashion changed and now there are T-shirts made just for women, even though sometimes they still opt for the unisex T-shirt or even a man’s tee. Many things make a T-shirt appear ladylike.

Some of the things that successfully help a T-shirt look as ladylike as they should include the following:

•    Color: Feminine colors like pink, purple and pastel colors are distinctively ladylike.
•    Girly Prints: T-shirts that feature feminine looking things or are full of flowers and other girly stuff definitely contribute to tees that are ladylike.
•    Neckline: Women’s T-shirts come in a wide variety of decidedly feminine necklines, like scoop necks, square necklines and princess necklines, in addition to the traditional crewneck and V-neck ones.
•    Cut and Style: T-shirts made for women are usually shorter, have properly fitting shoulders and shorter sleeves. They are also more fitted and have a softer line. They also come in a much wider range of options.
•    Design: Designs that are feminine also make T-shirts seem ladylike. They include snappy remarks, jokes, provocative lines and cutesy graphics.

Custom-made T-shirts are a great addition to any wardrobe. They can be made as ladylike or not as you want. The many things you get to choose from include color, style, fit, quality, cut, necklines, fabric weight and of course, the design you want on your T-shirts. Below are some great suggestions for ladylike T-shirts.

•    It’s a girl thing.
•    Didn’t your mother tell you that fighting is unladylike?
•    Girls rule
•    Hip chicks do wine
•    Put on your big girl panties and deal with it
•    Everyone loves an American girl
•    If Mommy ain’t happy, no one is happy
•    I’m the Momma, that’s why

Get your ladylike custom-made T-shirt today and never question your T-shirt again.

How to Dress Like Blake Lively

Blake Lively has a fun, causal style that is easy to achieve by pairing a few simple pieces together to form a cohesive, classic outfit. The look that Blake Lively favors never goes out of style and it always looks pulled together, no matter how casual the pieces are.

Dresses

Blake Lively wears a lot of dresses, both when out on the town having fun and when she’s attending important events. Sometimes she also wears casual dresses to go shopping and out to lunch with friends. Her casual dresses are often neutral colored or pastel in color so that they aren’t too flashy for the day time. These casual dresses usually have some type of print or adornments on the hem to make them look feminine and fun. She prefers to wear deeply plunging necklines that enhance her figure and bring a little glamour to any dress.

For evening wear, Blake Lively wears flashy dresses in bright hues. She seems to like evening dresses the best, and this may be to play up her blue eyes. Like her casual dresses, her evening dresses all have very low-cut fronts. Sometimes, she wears evening dresses with belts to accentuate her waist.

Casual Wear

When she’s dressing casually, she often wears jeans and plain shirts. One of her classic outfits is skinny black jeans and a white button up shirt. These pieces work well together as a casual but fashionable outfit and they also work well when paired with other classic items from her wardrobe. There are many white shirts that will work well both as simple classic pieces and as a feminine part of your wardrobe.

Skinny jeans look, look for black jeans that are tapered-leg style and that have a low rise. These can be put together with a loose button-up shirt or with a t-shirt that is cinched with a belt. Sometimes she pairs them with a tank top with a loose button up shirt over it that is left unbuttoned to leave her undershirt showing.

Shoes

Blake Lively often wears boots with her casual wear. She prefers tall boots that come up to her knee or higher. Depending on what color she’s wearing, she may wear black or brown leather boots with her outfit. With her black jeans, she often wears high boots that make her legs look even longer and slimmer. Sometimes with jeans she will wear high heeled pumps in either black or any pattern.

With her evening dresses, she almost always opts for high-heeled pumps that match her dress. Sometimes she will pair black pumps with a brightly colored dress, but often she chooses colors to coordinate with the bright colors of her outfit. She has been seen in many different pairs of high heels with wild patterns on them. Some of these include red with black polka dots and blue with black stripes. Her shoes always get attention, no matter what else she’s wearing. If you have a plain, simple dress, make sure to jazz it up with footwear that will get attention for a classic Blake Lively look.

How to Be Fashionable With Vintage Fashion

Vintage fashion is all about individuality in style. There is no one vintage look, and that’s the beauty of wearing vintage items. Dressing in vintage items is often an inexpensive way to create a new look that expresses your personal style without being led by the current fashions. They transcend the current looks with their classic shapes and styles.

One popular vintage looks are 50s-style dresses, suits and button-up shirts for men. These have classic styling and can be found in vintage shops, thrift stores and online. Often, people who wear vintage clothes from the 50s admire other things from the era, such as the music or movies, and they want to make a statement about their own personal tastes. To bridge the gap between 50s fashion and current fashion, choose vintage items that are have classic 50s lines, such as a full skirt and a tight sweater, but that reflect the most fashionable colors from today. This makes your vintage outfit as fashionable in this decade as it was in the 50s.

Many people with free spirits find themselves drawn to the anything-goes world of late-60s fashion. This can be a fun way to dress from head to toe, or you can choose a few fun pieces from the 60s and pair them with modern pieces. A colorful, psychedelic scarf paired with a modern solid-colored outfit makes an interesting contrast. For those who want to take their 60s look to the next level, choose brightly-colored patterns, short skirts or white turtleneck shirts with gray pants to pull off the 60s look.

Because the 70s are very much in style today, it’s easy to look fashionable when wearing a vintage 70s outfit or individual pieces from the 70s. Flared pants have made a comeback over the last few years, and they can be worn with anything at all for a fashionable look. Tops with spaghetti straps and anything with sequins is just as fashionable now as it was during the decade of disco. Vintage earrings and necklaces from the 70s, especially large hoop earrings and chain necklaces, are particularly in style right now.

The return of 80s style is just on the horizon, and 80s colors and accessories are very fashionable. When wearing retro 80s style, look for neon colors, asymmetrical styles such as one-sleeve shirts and bright patterns. Neon and black were particularly big in the 80s, and vintage outfits that feature patterns in these colors make a great vintage look. Leg warmers and other 80s accessories can be worn with anything at all and will look kitschy and in style.

Any decade had great elements to it, and any decade can spawn vintage outfits that still look great. To keep it fashionable, mix vintage nostalgic pieces with modern ones. The key is to make your outfit evoke an image of another time without having it look like a costume. Accessories are the perfect way to do this. To keep your look fashionable, don’t mix vintage decades together. This can result in a confusing array of styles that is never fashionable.

How to Dress for a Wake – Tips on What to Wear

For a wake, it has been traditional for a long time to wear black. Wearing black to wake has been going on for hundreds of years, but that tradition is no longer the only way to dress for a wake.

Black

Most people do wear black to a wake. Some people substitute dark blue for another deep color or black if they don’t have any black clothing available. As long as the clothing is dark and somber, it should be acceptable for most wakes. Avoid wearing anything that is brightly colored or cheerful. This can be seen as a sign of disrespect to the deceased person as well as to their family and friends. It’s important to keep in mind that people are in mourning and may not want to look at a bright red outfit or a cheerful yellow scarf.

It is okay to wear dark grays, deep purples or other very dark colors to a wake. Or, you can accessorize a black outfit with accessories that are in a different deep color. You don’t have to feel as if every single part of your outfit must be black.

Shoes

The only acceptable shoes to wear to a wake are dress shoes. For women, make sure the shoes you wear are of the closed-toe variety. Also make sure that your shoes are in good condition. If you wear black shoes, you may need to polish them before going. It can be considered disrespectful to wear shoes in bad condition or shoes that are considered sexy. They should be dressy shoes that could be worn to work or a job interview. Never wear sandals, flip-flops, tennis shoes or strappy stilettos. Remember that the occasion is about the deceased and those who are mourning the deceased rather than showing off the latest fashions.

Accessories

A wake is generally held indoors, so it there will be no need for the scarves, gloves and hats that are often worn to outdoor funerals. For a wake, people will be gathered indoors for social interaction. The only accessories you will probably need are items of jewelry.

Jewelry in this setting can show that you made the effort to look your best. If you do wear jewelry, make sure to keep it simple and not so showy that it attracts attention to yourself. It should only be used to make yourself look more presentable and dressy. Your earrings should be small and you should not wear more than one necklace or bracelet. For men, a watch and some cufflinks are enough jewelry for a wake. If you have a lot of piercings, take them out for the wake to show respect for the occasion.

Whatever you wear, make sure it is in good condition. Iron your outfit before you come and make sure that nothing is stained. Many people buy a brand-new outfit to wear to wakes because the clothing is in good condition and does not have faded color. A brand-new black outfit will be respectful and will be in excellent condition.

How to Dress Preppy

Dressing preppy is a classic style that always looks flawless and timeless. If you have a preppy wardrobe, you can wear it anywhere and look sophisticated and well put together. To dress preppy, there are several signature pieces that you need to have in your wardrobe.

Shirts

The classic preppy shirt is the polo shirt. The polo shirt is worn buttoned up most of the time but it can be worn with one button unbuttoned at the top. An oxford shirt is also appropriate for the preppy look. You can wear these long-sleeved or short-sleeved and in just about any color. The most common colors in the preppy look are white, red, blue or green. Pastel shirts are also appropriate for the look.

Sweaters and Blazers

A cardigan or button-up sweater is perfect for the preppy look. The sweater should be kept with you even if it isn’t cold enough to wear it. You can lay the sweater over your shoulders and lock the cuffs around your neck to hold it in place. You can also tie the sweater around your waist with the sleeves in the front for a casual event.

If you do want to wear the sweater, button it up. Make sure the collar of your shirt is showing above the collar of the sweater. Shirts and sweaters should go together in light colors such as a white shirt and a yellow sweater or a pink shirt with a white sweater.

Blazers are also a classic part of the preppy look. Blazers, particularly in tan or beige, will perfect complement any preppy outfit. A blazer can be worn over anything, including over a sweater. A blazer that has patches at the sleeves is a great preppy look. But even without patches, a blazer looks great with a preppy shirt, sweater, pants or skirt in neutral tones.

Pants and Skirts

Khaki and tan are the perfect preppy colors for skirts and pants. A pencil skirt in khaki is perfect with a white button-up shirt and a yellow sweater. Dockers or other tan pants are another great preppy look. They can be paired with a polo shirt for casual occasions and with a dressy shirt and sweater for more formal ones. The pants should be pressed and should have a visible crease on each side.

Plaid, in moderation, is also a great preppy look. Short plaid skirts along with starched white shirts are a classic preppy outfit. Plaid pants are generally not consider preppy, but a plaid scarf or a plaid shirt under a solid colored sweater will work beautifully.

Shoes

The classic footwear for a preppy outfit is loafers. Penny loafers, loafers with fringe and plain brown loafers are the ideal shoes to wear with a preppy outfit. Be sure to wear socks in a neutral color along with the loafers. White socks or a pastel color will go well with the neutral tones of the outfit. The socks should be ankle socks that are folded over neatly and precisely. All aspects of the outfit should stay clean and pressed at all times.

What Are The Symptoms Of Being Allergic To Cotton?

A cotton allergy is a very difficult affliction for anyone, and especially for those who enjoy T-shirts. Almost all T-shirts, as well as many other clothing items, are made of cotton and an allergy to it will greatly limit a person’s choice in clothes.

Because cotton typically produces a skin reaction, some of the most common symptoms of being allergic to cotton include:
–    itching
–    rashes
–    hives
It may also cause nasal congestion, a runny nose or itchy, watery eyes.

As with all allergies, a cotton allergy can come in a variety of different strengths of reactions. It could be just mildly irritating or causing occasional reactions or it may be very strong reactions that cause great discomfort and stress. Whatever the case, it is important to pinpoint the trigger and have ways to deal with it.

Many variables should also be taken into consideration when deciding whether or not to risk it and wear a fabric you are allergic to. If you have other allergies, especially seasonal or environmental ones, you will want to limit exposure to other allergens if you plan to wear cotton. A shirt that might cause a strong reaction during allergy season might be perfectly fine to wear when your other allergies are not active.

If you suspect that you might be allergic to cotton, one of the first things you should do is be skeptical of the notion. Synthetic materials are much more likely to cause allergies than a natural product like cotton. However, there are of course many natural things that cause allergic reactions too. However, you should take comfort in the fact that it is more likely that you are allergic to something on the cotton than the cotton itself.

Many chemicals used in laundry products can cause allergic reactions. Therefore, you should switch to a mild type of laundry detergent, which is formulated to be sensitive enough for allergy sufferers. Airdry your items using no fabric softener. Using clothes laundered this way for a while will allow you to determine if it may indeed be your cleaning products instead of the cotton itself, which is responsible for your allergic reaction.

Another option you may want to consider is that there is something used in the production of cotton clothing and while the cotton is being grown, like pesticides, that is triggering the allergic reaction for you. To decide if that may be the case for you, the best way to check is to opt for organic cotton clothes for a while to see if your symptoms disappear. You can easily get a great selection of organic T-shirts by ordering custom-made ones.

Static cling

What Is Static Cling? How to Remove & Prevent it

Static cling

Pulling on a T-shirt or other item of clothing to find out that it is full of static cling is so annoying. It inevitably happens when you don’t have time to deal with the problem or the clothes affected by it are the ideal choice for the day or the occasion. Static cling is so annoying because the more you pull the item away from you, the stronger it clings. Knowing what static cling is, how to prevent it and how to get rid of it will keep it from ever being a problem again.

Static cling is an electric attraction created by two items when there is low humidity. When the items rub together, a transference of electrons occurs. When this happens one of the items becomes positively charged and the other becomes negatively charged. In this situation the items adhere to each other. Typically it is the lighter weight object which adheres to the heavier one. It is a very common problem for clothes which are dried in a clothes dryer, especially during winter months when humidity is low

You can prevent static cling in a variety of ways. You can use fabric softener liquid in the wash or a fabric softener sheet in the dryer to get rid of static cling. There is a chemical buildup on the clothes which prevents it from rubbing together and forming static cling.

For a more natural method of preventing static cling, you simply add a cup of vinegar to the rinse of your laundry. Of course, keeping the humidity up in your home will also help you to reduce the occurrences of static cling that you deal with because static electricity cannot thrive in conditions that are not dry. You should also remove clothing from the dryer before it is completely dry and hang it to finish drying. Another tip is to avoid synthetic clothes which tend to have many more static problems. Natural fiber clothing like cotton is much better in terms of static.

There are also static reducing sprays on the market that allow you to treat an item that you want to wear immediately. Another quick fix when time is of the essence is to rub a fabric softener sheet inside your clothes until the static cling is gone. Spraying a mist of water in the air and walking through it to get rid of static cling is another great, quick remedy.

 

Golf

What to Wear When Playing Golf – Fashion Tips and Dress Codes

Golf

What you wear to a golf course depends a lot on what kind of course you are visiting, what the event is and how you personally like to express your taste in golf attire. There are those who love to express an ironic style by wearing clashing fabrics and brightly-colored plaid pants reminiscent of the gold pants that were in style decades ago. However, there are many other ways to express yourself as a golfer.

The Dress Code

Many golf courses have a specific dress code for their course. The more expensive the golf course is, the more likely they are to have a strict dress code. Most courses, no matter how inexpensive, will require a shirt to be worn. But from there, the codes get stricter. If you have never played at a specific course before, call ahead to find out about what type of clothing is expected. If you are not able to call ahead, avoid wearing shorts and jeans just in case the course has a problem with those items.

If you are playing at a very exclusive golf course, you can be assured that the course will likely not allow jeans and it may not allow t-shirts or shorts. Many upscale golf courses require their players to play in a shirt with a collar and a pair of slacks or a skirt. There are also golf dresses that have started getting some attention from golfers, though these may not be allowed at all golf courses.

Casual Golf Wear

For the most part, golf clothing should be comfortable and casual. A pair of cool, thin slacks or golf shorts and a polo shirt is generally what most people wear to golf in most of the time. Municipal courses often see more people wearing jeans, but jeans can be uncomfortable on hot spring and summer days. Jeans are thick and tend to hold moisture close to the skin. To avoid this discomfort, wear a thinner style of pants or shorts that fit loosely enough not to cling to your legs. Choose classic colors like navy blue, khaki and white to fit in on most courses.

Overall, most golfers tend toward a preppy look when playing. If you are playing in chilly weather, consider a beige or navy sweater worn over a white button-up shirt. A sweater vest may also be worn for a classic golfer look.

Shoes

There are several kinds of golf shoes available, but one type is often not allowed on golf courses. Golf shoes were once expected to have metal spikes on the bottom for traction, but it was found that these were extremely hard on the course itself. Most courses no longer allow this type of golf shoe to be worn. Most new golf shoes don’t have these because they are so frowned on, so always wear the newer styles of golf shoes. These shoes have rough bottoms to add to a player’s stability, but they won’t tear up the green the way that spikes will.

Rolling T-Shirts To Save Space When Packing

One of the biggest challenges when doing any type of travelling is packing your suitcase. In fact, properly packing is practically an art form. Many seasoned travelers have their own pattern of packing down to a system that they either love and totally rely on or are continually looking to improve upon.

Anytime you are packing, space is a premium. It’s always easier to find extra things to bring along or even to use smaller luggage if you pack efficiently enough and have extra space, but more often than not, the opposite is true. You pick out the things you want to pack and begin putting them in a suitcase only to find that you run out of space and need to remove things or move to a bigger bag or additional bags to accommodate all the original items. Luckily there are techniques that will help you to save space while packing, so you can get the most in your luggage and be ready for anything.

The absolute best space saving tip when packing is to roll your T-shirts, and other clothing too, before placing them in the suitcase. By folding the sleeves inward and then rolling the T-shirt into a tight cylinder you will find that you can fit tons of T-shirts in your luggage. Rolled T-shirts also make it easy to see at a glance which shirts you have on hand. They can all be placed side by side, so when you are putting together an outfit, it is easy to grab the right color. You’ll never again have to search through stacks of folded T-shirts searching for the one you need.

Another bonus which comes from rolling T-shirts for packing is that it reduces wrinkling. Rolled T-shirts stay looking good and don’t form the creases and wrinkles that folded ones do, while in a suitcase. This means you can just pull a T-shirt out of your bag, put it on and go. You don’t have to worry about taking the extra time to iron it.

T-shirts are an absolute lifesaver when travelling. They travel easily, are absorbent and comfortable. They are easily washed and require very little in extra care. They can be mixed and matched for a variety of different looks. You can dress T-shirts up for a special event. They are also perfectly suitable for the most casual of times, when working out or even for sleeping. Make sure that when you travel you carry a good selection of T-shirts with you.

Rave

What to Wear to a Rave – Fashion Tips and Clothing

Rave

When you are getting ready for a rave, it’s important to think about your comfort and safety. There are a lot of do’s and don’ts with rave dressing in order to keep from becoming injured and to allow yourself to have fun.

Shoes

If you’re at a rave, expect to spend hours dancing. You might be there all night, so make sure you wear shoes that you can move in. If you wear high heels or uncomfortable boots, it will seriously impede your motion and keep you from dancing the night away. Opt for tennis shoes, flip flops or some other comfortable shoe that will allow you to keep going for as long as you like.

Comfortable Clothing

Many girls wear long skirts to raves because they are comfortable and they can be paired with anything. Many girls make their own long rave skirts out of vintage bed sheets or any type of loud fabric. Some rave skirts are made out of dark denim that grazes the floor. Some girls choose to wear miniskirts, but this can impede motion when the dancing gets fast and frenzied.

Peasant tops and halter tops are both acceptable for raves. With the long skirts, a peasant top competes the loose, flowy, comfortable look. With a miniskirt, a short top fits well into the theme of the outfit.

Whatever clothing style you choose, make sure you are wearing loud colors that can be seen from across the room. Wearing primary colors is a good way to make sure that your outfit gets attention. If you have any neon items or glow in the dark ones, these are perfect for a rave as well. Glittery items also work well because of the way they will sparkle under the flashing lights. If you don’t have any glitter on your clothing, you can add some with fabric paint or glitter glue.

If you know where the rave will be held, take that into consideration as well. Outdoors raves can be muddy, or there may be a foam pit there. Some people wear vinyl items to these types of raves to keep from being muddy and wet all night. For outdoors, you may need to incorporate a jacket or coat into our look. If it’s indoors and you know there won’t be foam, you can wear a cooler fabric and skip the jacket.

Jeans

For guys, jeans are the most common item of clothing to wear. There are no hard and fast rules about what type of jeans to wear, but if they are decorated in some way, they may fit into the rave better. Wearing loud pants with bright colors on them or patterns such as plaid or polka dots are also a perfect looks for a rave.

Whatever type of pants you choose, they should be baggy and long. They can’t be too baggy if you’re going to a rave, and unless you are actually tripping over them, they can’t be too long. Look for pants that will fit in the waist to keep them from slipping down but that will be baggy everywhere else.

How to Dress at 50 – Fashion Tips and What to Wear

The age of 50 is not as old as it once was. Many people are just as physically active in their 50s as they were in their 20s or 30s. The need to begin to dress like an elderly person is no longer felt by most people today when they reach their 50s. There is little need for a person to change their style much beyond what they wore in their 40s. However, there may be a few practical points that lend themselves to slight changes in style.

Many people in their 50s become grandparents and want to dress more conservatively because of it. This means items that are more classic in style and that are less attention-getting. Darker colors or outfits that are less revealing can often fill this need.

A change of shoe styles can often do this as well. Many women opt for chunkier heels in their 50s because of the discomfort of wearing the skinny heels they wore before. Other women start opting for flats or dressy shoes with laces for comfort. If you find heels or stiff leather shoes very uncomfortable, try on a few pairs of flats. Flats can come in very casual, canvas styles that are comfortable as well as cute or dressy leather styles that can be worn in the place of high heels.

Another change that can happen in your 50s is that you may start to carry more weight around the middle than before, even if you stay very active. This can lend itself to some embarrassment and the need to change clothing styles to accentuate other areas. Wearing items that are tight in the waist or items that require a belt may not be the best looks in your 50s.

Look for colors that will flatter your own coloring. It is easy to get washed out by lighter colors, and those may not look good on everyone. It may be that darker colors are flattering to your skin tone and your features. Try a few different colors and notice the way they make your face look. For those with very dark skin, a darker color will generally not accentuate your features. For those with very light skin, a light color can make your features disappear altogether.

The reason that trends are often not appropriate for people of this age is that by your 50s, you probably realize that not all trends look good of all people. At 50, most people have their own distinct style. No matter what the trends are, the best colors on you are the ones that accentuate your own unique coloring.

Once you have colors that you like, take a look at your best features and choose items that will emphasize them. If you want to emphasize your bust, wear items that are tailored at the bust line or that have a very high waist. A shift dress that skims your body without clinging to your stomach or hips is often flattering at 50, as are empire waist dresses.

Pima cotton

What is Pima Cotton? History & Information

Pima cotton

Pima cotton is a type of cotton that is mostly grown in the United States. Pima is a generic name given to extra long staple cotton. This extra-long staple cotton is a premium cotton meant that often competes with another extra-long staple cotton, Egyptian cotton.

The history of Pima cotton in the United States can be traced back to the 1700s. It was then that Sea Islands cotton was crossbred with Egyptian cotton to produce the first generation of the modern day extra-long staple cottons that we now have in the United States. In the early 1900’s, the government sponsored the USDA Pima Improvement Project.

This project made significant advances in Pima development, helping produce the Pima cottons we now see today. Originally Pima cotton was called American-Egyptian. U.S. growers decided to change the common name of the extra-long staple cotton to honor the Pima Indians.

Pima cotton is extra-long staple cotton. In order to be deemed extra-long staple, cotton must measure one and three-eights of an inch or longer. Pima cotton is a variety of upland cotton. Upland cotton, also known as Mexican cotton, is the most commonly grown cotton in the United States. Pima is stronger and longer than upland cotton, making it premium cotton.

Grown in the Southwestern United States, Pima cotton needs a hot, dry climate with plenty of sun to prosper. Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas are the chief Pima producing states due to their inviting climates with long growing seasons. While the growing of Pima cotton is not necessarily more expensive than growing other cottons, the ginning process is more expensive as the Pima must be roller ginned rather than saw ginned as is the traditional method.

Pima cotton accounts for just three percent of all the cotton produced each year in the United States. Pima is used to make fine yarns which will ultimately end up knitted or woven into luxury fabrics. As the United States’ textile mills are more in the business of medium or coarse yarn producers, more than 90 percent of Pima cotton is consumed overseas. South Asia is the location that imports the most U.S. grown Pima cotton. The United States does still use approximately 65,000 pounds of Pima per year.

Products made from Pima cotton are much stronger than products made of upland cotton. Pima cotton’s strength helps to improve any finished product’s durability and give it a longer life. Pima cotton, is extremely fine which allows more fibers to be spun into cloth. The more fibers in a cloth, the higher the thread count. And with a higher thread count comes greater softness.

Not all Egyptian cotton is extra-long staple, unlike Pima cotton. For cotton to earn the name Pima, it must measure be extra-long staple, but the label Egyptian cotton only guarantees that the cotton was made in Egypt. Egypt consumes the majority of cotton it produces, leaving it unable to keep up with worldwide demand. This lack of Egyptian supply helps create an ever-growing demand for Pima cotton.

How to Dress Like Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato has a fresh, young style that makes her a favorite among girls who love music, fashion and style. Demi wears a lot of different types of outfits, depending on whether she is performing, hanging out with friends or taking in a day of shopping. Most of her looks are inexpensive to achieve and can be customized to work with a few pieces that you probably already have in your wardrobe.

Dresses

Demi Lovato loves to wear dresses. Her style of dresses is an eclectic mixture of different styles. She has been seen many times in simple black dresses.  The dress may be simple, but don’t let that fool you. She tends to choose very simple dresses and then accessorize them with extra layers, jewelry, eye-catching tights and interesting shoes. She might start with a short, black dress and put a bright belt with it, bright tights, a leather jacket and a pair of biker boots. This might sound like a jumble of styles, but it all works together well for the singer.

She also wears dresses by themselves or with a large belt when she is making public appearances. The dresses are usually solid-colored dresses with buttons, pleats or some other type of detailing. She tends to choose very low-cut dresses and ones that have either spaghetti straps or that are strapless. Often, she pairs a dress with a black, shiny belt. In some cases, she has paired a black dress with many necklaces and a short, bright sweater. One public appearance saw her in a black mini-dress covered in ruffles that was worn with three gold necklaces and a gold sweater over it all.

Jackets

Like many girls her age, Demi Lovato knows the worth of a great jacket. She wears jackets over many of her pants outfits and occasionally over other garments. She often wears black or very dark blue skinny jeans that are paired with a black jacket. Sometimes she pairs a black or white jacket over a black dress. She has been seen several times in a cream-colored blazer that was worn over both pants and dresses.

Tights

One of the things that brings fun into Demi’s wardrobe is her playful use of color in her choice of tights. Sometimes she wears tights that feature a different color on each leg. Paired with a black dress, these tights make a bold statement about her sense of style. Demi was once seen wearing these tights with a black dress and a jacket.

T-Shirts

Demi Lovato loves wearing t-shirt when she isn’t performing or attending a premiere. Her t-shirts are often printed with words or with pictures. She has been photographed in several white  t-shirts that have cute sayings on them. Her t-shirts are often paired with tight-fitting jeans and a pair of either tennis shoes or boots. Her t-shirts are sometimes crew-neck shirts and sometimes v-neck style t-shirts. She rarely pairs jewelry with her t-shirts, but saves the necklaces and bracelets for her dressier outfits.

Fabric dyes

What are Clothing Fabric Dyes Made Of?

Fabric dyes

There have been many things used over the centuries to dye fabric. Boiled shellfish, plants, mud and just about anything else with a strong pigment has been used to change the color of fabric. By the middle of the 1800s, people started to create chemicals that mimicked the effects of natural dyes. These chemical substitutes are what are most often used today to dye our fabrics. Some dyes are still taken from plants, and some dyes are mixtures of synthetic chemicals and natural plant dyes. There are also a number of natural dyes used today to keep up with the public demand for more natural products.

Many of the dyes used today come from chemicals that are taken from petroleum or from coal. These chemicals can be used to synthesize more natural plant-based dyes that were once used. For instance, to dye a pair of jeans used to be done with the indigo plant which could be used to create indigo fabric dye. Today, synthetic indigo dye is made with a combination of caustic soda, sodium phenylglycinate and sodamide to form a chemical called indoxyl. The sodium phenylglycinate in the mixture is made from a chemical made in another chemical process by adding ammonia to a chemical called chlorobenzene. This process begins with another chemical that can come from either petroleum or coal. Because petroleum and coal are both inexpensive, many fabric dyes are currently made in a similar fashion.

There are a number of different classifications for these synthetic dyes. One type is called aniline dye, though these dyes are not made from aniline anymore. Like the synthetic indigo dye, they come from either petroleum or coal. Cotton clothing is most often dyed with either reactive dyes, direct dyes or sulfur dyes. Clothing made from nylon usually colored with acid dyes. Clothing made from modacrylic or acrylic are generally colored with basic dyes. Clothing made from polyester or acetate are usually colored with disperse dyes.

Natural dyes are becoming popular again because of their lesser impact on the environment. These dyes are often plant-based or made from insects. A natural crimson dye is made from cochineal insects and makes up the carmine natural dye that is called natural red 4 in the dye industry. The logwood tree is the source of the black hematein dye that makes up natural black 1. Lac is a substance created by a number of different insects, and it can be used to make a red dye that is known as natural red 25.

In addition to these natural chemicals, using a natural dye to color a fabric usually requires that metallic salts are used along with the dye to make the fabric keep the color longer and to keep it from fading with washing and with exposure to sunlight. Synthetic dyes generally last longer and don’t fade as quickly as natural dyes, which makes the salt important for maintaining the quality of the natural dye. Natural dyes, like synthetic dyes, must be proven safe for humans before they can be used on commercial fabrics.

Jury duty

What to Wear for Jury Duty

Jury duty

When you are picked for jury duty, there is no one specific dress code. The only thing you need to keep in mind is that you are supposed to be dressed conservatively and in a way that shows that you respect the court. If you dress disrespectfully, you may actually be guilty of contempt of court. There should be no T-shirts, jeans, flip-flops or other very casual clothing worn during jury duty.

The standard type of outfit worn by most people for jury duty is business casual. This means that you are dressed in a conservative manner but that you are not necessarily wearing a full suit. A nice pair of pants, a button up shirt and a blazer for man is a good,9 comfortable business casual outfit for jury duty.

If you are a woman, you might wear the same outfit, or it may be a nice blouse with a dressy skirt. You can choose high heels, or flats, but do not wear sandals to court.

Make sure that whatever you wear is neat and in good condition. Tuck in your shirt and wear a belt if you need one. You may need to take a sweater or jacket with you in case the courtroom is chilly. You’ll end up sitting almost all the time, so make sure you’re wearing something that doesn’t have a tight waistband. That could result in discomfort that will distract you from listening to the testimony. Wear something that fits well, is not tight, but it’s not loose enough to look very casual.

The main idea of dressing for jury duty is that you are not supposed to call a lot of attention to yourself. The judge is the center of attention. The lawyers are also there to command attention. One jurist trying to get the attention of the courtroom is considered disrespectful. Dress to blend in, not stand out. If you wear dark colors or neutral colors, this will be much easier. Choose a black or navy jacket and pair it with pants that are either a dark color or are khaki. A good pair of khaki pants will not call attention to you and will go with just about anything.

It is not necessary in most cases to wear a tie. And for women, you don’t necessarily have to wear very trendy, uncomfortable high heels. Just make sure that your accessories and shoes go well with her outfit and don’t distract other jurists who need to be listening to the testimony. For this reason, never show up to jury duty with something very low-cut. For many people, this would be the ultimate distraction. Choose a modest neckline that makes you tlook conservative instead.

Leave the trendy clothes at home and don’t wear anything that is sparkly or very eye-catching. Don’t wear bright colors and don’t pair bright or glittery accessories with your outfit. Choose classic pieces instead that will not be noticed. This will keep the judge happy and keep the other jurists from any unnecessary distractions.

How to Dress Business Casual

The style of business casual has been taking over business dress codes for a long time. Business casual is a classic style that is easy to dress up or down, depending on what happens during the business day. Your business casual clothes are fine for catching a late dinner with co-workers or going on a date after work as well as for talking to the president of the company during the day. The main idea behind any business casual outfit is to make it look neat, classic and well put together.

Women’s Business Casual

For women, there are many business casual options that can keep this wardrobe from looking too boring and plain. There are a wide range of pants, skirts and dresses that can all be classified as business casual. Skirts and pants should look casual, but they should be in very good condition and should not be made from denim. A skirt or dress should come to the knees or lower. They should look pressed, even if they aren’t, and should generally be in a neutral color like gray, navy blue, cream or white. These are easy colors to pair with other neutral items on top. With a number of classic separates, you can put together a large number of outfits that all look classic and businesslike.

The top you choose can have a scooped neckline, but it should not be at all revealing. A V-neck or boat neck is flattering to some shapes, but make sure they don’t go too far. A jacket or blazer in a coordinating color can pull together an outfit made from separates and create a cohesive look.

Avoid wearing anything that is too trendy. Anything that is not a part of a classic look is out of place in a business casual environment. Make sure your clothing fits well and doesn’t reveal cleavage. It shouldn’t be too short or too tight, but it shouldn’t be too baggy, either.

Men’s Business Casual

For the most part, men’s business casual does not require a suit and tie. In most business casual offices, a tie is not necessary. A long-sleeved shirt is usually considered to be more businesslike than a short-sleeved shirt, though a nice, button-up short-sleeved shirt is also appropriate in most business casual offices. Always tuck in your shirt, no matter how dressy your shirt and pants are. Men are also generally expected to wear a belt. The pants should be any nice, unwrinkled pants in a neutral color that are not jeans. They should have no wear obvious to them and should have no fraying at the ends.

Men often wear jackets along with their business causal pants to take the place of a suit. The jacket can be a suit jacket or a more casual jacket, but the function is to give the outfit the same lines and basic look as a suit without making a tie necessary. The jacket should be in very good condition and should not have faded elbows. It should be in a neutral color to coordinate with the shirt and pants.

Jack Sparrow

How to Dress Like Jack Sparrow

Jack Sparrow

The Pirates of the Caribbean movies really put Jonny Depp on the map as a marquee actor. What’s more is that it ushered in a whole new style in fashion. Call it the “pirate fashion” or the “Jack Sparrow fashion” but if you want to achieve the look you have to be particular in what you wear.

It should be noted that the look of Jack Sparrow turned out totally different than what the writers envisioned. The original design for Jack Sparrow was a much more dumbed-down version than the version you saw on the movie screen. Once Johnny Depp was hired to play Sparrow he brought on a whole host of changes that really spiced up the outfit.

Starting at the head you will need to get a red bandana. Don’t use a bandana with paisleys or any other design, stick to a solid red one. If you really want to go for the look all the way then you have to get yourself a tricone which is the signature three cornered leather hat worn by Sparrow in the movie.

Your shirt should consist of a white silk shirt with puffy sleeves. Make sure that at least the top four buttons are undone and do not button the cufflinks. Your coat should be a lightweight silk tweed frock coat and needs to be light brown in color. While wearing the coat never button it up, always leave it open.

As for your mid-section you will need a rather thick belt with an outrageously big buckle. Depp later wore two belts but one will suffice if you don’t want two. Next a nice pink silk sash needs to be worn. Simply tie it around your waist and let it hang off to one side.

The pants can be any type of trouser that is light brown in color. If you wish a pair of corduroys will do the trick. Just be sure that the color of the pants is one shade lighter than the thigh high suede boots –folded down- that you will also need to wear.

As far as accessories goes you can get a satchel and have the strap go diagonally across you chest and hang it off your side. Old looking guns and swords are a nice touch too.

If you really want to commit to the style, you will need earrings, several rings, and trinkets for your hair –if your hair is long enough.- Dark makeup around your eyes is also part of the look. Jack Sparrow had several gold teeth but that is not a necessity for the fashion. Finish it off with a scruff face and a long goatee with two braids.

If you go to these lengths it will hard for anyone to distinguish you from the real Jack Sparrow. Now all you will need to do is talk like you are drunk or do what Depp did for the movie and mimic the voice and movements of Rolling Stones guitar player Keith Richards and the illusion will be complete. Now you will be living the Jack Sparrow fashion.

How To Hide My Bra Line Under My T-Shirt?

Supportive undergarments, like a good bra, are necessary for anyone who enjoys wearing T-shirts. Without a great looking bra, we sag and don’t look nearly as good as we can. Support means a great figure, even if it is only with the help of a little boost. Many people however, are not crazy about others being able to see their bra line under their shirt. So how do you go about hiding a bra line?

The first and most obvious solution is to layer. If your bra line is visible through a T-shirt, put another top or jacket over it in order to cover up a little better and hide the bra line from plain view.

Another option is to choose large accessories like flowing scarves to drape over the front of your T-shirt. Such scarves will provide you with enough coverage to be able to comfortably not need to worry about things like bra lines.

You can, of course, choose to not wear a bra so no one will see a bra line. This may be an okay option for a young girl, but one with a rather developed figure typically would not have this luxury.

Choose to put a tight-fitting one-piece undergarment under your T-shirt instead of a regular bra. It will eliminate the bra line and will look more like a camisole if that is okay.

You may also want to look at opting for T-shirts with textured fabrics. Rib knits and other fabrics that have interesting textures will completely hide the appearance of bra lines. This is a great way to eliminate the problem without having to give up a bra.

Get a bra that is strapless or one that has the clear straps. Such new improvements will considerably help you to eliminate the look of straps.

Choose to wear T-shirts that are looser than you typically wear. This will take attention away from your bra line. In fact, with a loose shirt a bra line may be completely not noticeable.

Hillbilly

How To Dress Like A Hillbilly

Hillbilly

Now, you may be thinking to yourself, isn’t dressing like a hillbilly basically the same as dressing like a red neck. The answer, and it may surprise you, is not really. You see a hillbilly is, typically, considered not all that intelligent and rather, well, how to put this nicely, slovenly in their appearance.

To dress like a hillbilly you must consider the hillbilly in its natural environment. Picture a house whose screen door is only resting on the doorframe, a yard full of old stuff and a pickup truck, rusted, sitting on cinderblocks. The woman is standing out front with a baby on her hip and the man is chewing tobacco with a shotgun resting on his hip as he spits tobacco on the ground.

Ok, now that you have the mental picture in your head, let’s get onto the art of dressing like a hillbilly. Remember, hillbillies are people who have led, hard lives and look, on average, ten years older than they actually are. Over all hillbilly fashion is surprisingly simple:

1)    Clothing – You want old, one or two sizes too big for you overalls that are stained or look like they get washed once a week. Flannel shirts under the overalls or a worn out looking t-shirt complete the clothing ensemble. For the women, overalls are good but really beat up jeans rolled halfway up your calves is a much better look.
2)    Baseball caps – The cap should be a solid color, black or red, and have a logo on them about sports, beer, farming equipment, women, liquor, fishing or hunting. Make sure the front of the cap is good and curved. Use a baseball to get the look right. Just take the ball, wrap the bill of the cap around it and shove it through the opening in the back of the cap. Make sure the bill is a little wet first.
3)    Hairstyle – As for hairstyles I have two suggestions: Men – mullet, seriously. Women – 80’s hair, or dirty and straight with a part in the middle.
4)    Shoes – Your shoes should be work boots and look like you’ve worn them everyday for the past 5 years. Women: barefoot.

That’s the fashion part of it, like I said, surprisingly simple. However, it’s not enough to look like a hillbilly; you have to act like one to really pull it off. Hillbillies are not known for their incredible posture, skill at intelligent conversation or cleanliness.  So no funny or witty anecdotes or you will completely blow your look.

Lastly, look older than you are. As I said above, hillbillies live hard lives and age faster than other people. You need to bring that look out, as well so, making your eyes look sunken is a plus. Men, grow a scraggly beard and don’t trim it very well. Ladies you have to let your hair get dirty and oily and stop conditioning it.

Remember, you have to look like you’re someone who thinks a computer is a magic box that scares you.

Perfect wardrobe

Six Tips on How To Achieve The Perfect Wardrobe

Perfect wardrobe

Achieving the perfect wardrobe takes time, patience, research and knowledge. It means something very different for every person. For some it would mean a perfectly matched and coordinated outfit for every type of occasion that might possibly arise. For others it could mean a great selection of jeans and T-shirts. Some people believe the perfect wardrobe is all about the accessories or the shoes. Others believe it is about the perfect pieces of clothing. No matter what you feel constitutes a perfect wardrobe, you can be on the road to achieving one, by following these steps.

1.    You need to know your own tastes, what looks good on you and what doesn’t. If you are not armed with this type of knowledge you won’t know where to start. So look around, do some research and ask yourself, exactly what a perfect wardrobe would look like for you.

2.    Inventory the clothes, accessories and shoes that you already have on hand.
If there are any that you feel do not belong in your perfect wardrobe, purge them. You will need the space for other items.

3.    Create outfits using the clothes you have on hand, making notes of anything you need to purchase in order to complete the outfits.

4. Figure out if you have enough outfits. When you have put together as many outfits as you can, ask yourself if this is enough. If it is not, you will need to get more clothes in order to give yourself more to work with. You should also go out and get the things that you need to complete the outfits you have already worked on putting together.

5.    Consider budget options options to finish off your wardrobe. Your budget might hold you back from going out and buying all new items to round out your wardrobe. You don’t need to do it right away, but you should keep your list of needed items on you at all times so if you are shopping, you can take a look at the list and be reminded of those things you are really looking for. Check out vintage stores, consignment stores and other places where second hand clothes are sold. It is a great way to fill that perfect wardrobe without spending too much money.

6.   Buy clothes that are versatile. If you are in the market for lots of new clothes, remember to select things that can be used in a variety of outfits, so you will get the most use out of them and they will fit best into your perfect wardrobe.