Author Archives: admin

Show off New Dad Pride with a Custom T-Shirt

Being a new dad is like opening a Christmas present and then a large bill to pay for it. The excitement and joy is almost unbearable, but the reality of what lies ahead hits you like a ton of bricks. Concentrating on the joy part is obviously what you should do most of the time.

The moment that little one is brought home from the hospital, you start taking on new roles. You might start having to get up in the middle of the night to help with feedings and soothing. Or perhaps you have taken on diaper duty, something to be proud of. You might want to show your pride to everyone you know.

Wearing a custom t-shirt is a great way to show your pride. Your new shirt can just say, “new daddy” or “rookie dad“. You can add a smiley graphic or a cute baby smiling or even screaming. If you are particularly proud of your achievement in being by your woman’s side during labor, your shirt can state, “Dad survived delivery” with a picture of a baby girl or boy or “I survived the delivery room and all I got was this shirt…oh yeah, and a baby”.

If you are the diaper changing man, wear it with pride “Daddy’s diaper service, proud to take my turn” or “Baby poops ’em – I change ’em”. Or a cute warning sign with a picture of a baby that says, “New dad changes diaper – avoid loose poop”. Or for a really cute one, a baby holding his diaper up with “My dad knows poop” to refer to several meanings. Or if you don’t appreciate the value of a dirty diaper your shirt can say “DADDY – damn another dirty diaper yuck” with the first letter of the phrase a different color for effect.

Late night feedings are inevitable with new babies. A shirt that says, “New dad, point me to the nearest bed” tells others how tired you are. Or simply “new dad needs sleep” with a picture of a cartoon man in pajamas carrying around a baby would do the trick. “New dad – if you wake the baby plan on babysitting” would be effective in letting others know you are sleep deprived and stressed.

If you are just proud of your cute little one and are pretty competitive, a shirt with a kid in a diaper crossing his arms that says, “New dad- my kid can beat up your kid” might work for you. Or “New dad’s boot camp – only the fit survive” with a graphic of a man marching with a baby strapped to his back.

Being a new dad brings more joy to your life than people without kids can imagine. Yes, here are times of stress but overall most men wouldn’t change a thing. Wear your pride for others to see. Design a t-shirt that fits your style and feelings on the blessed event. Then watch as your kids grow up and start dating, that will make you want to wear a shirt that says, “I have kids…does that explain the gray hair?”

Don’t wait and design your own custom t-shirt or check out all of our Dad T-Shirts and New Dad T-Shirts

What to Wear to a Baby Shower

How you dress for a baby shower all depends on the baby shower itself. While some showers will be held in a more formal setting and other a more laid back and casual setting, showing up either under dressed or overdressed can be embarrassing. So how do you decide how you should dress to attend a baby shower?

Here are two specific tips that will help you decide what you should wear to the next baby shower that you attend:

• Read between the lines: Look at the invitation you received for the shower. How nice is it? If it is inviting you for an evening of cocktails and finger foods then it is obviously a more formal setting and semi-formal attire will more than likely be required. If however the invitation is for a backyard picnic followed by cake and punch then it is more than likely a more casual setting.
• Ask a friend: The nice thing about baby showers is that there are more times than not going to be one or more of your friends that will be in attendance. A great way to decide what you want to wear is to call your friends and see what they are going to be wearing. If you can come to a consensus then you will be in the clear and will not have to worry about whether or not you will be over or under dressed.

Once you figure out how you are going to dress here is how you can pull it off:

• Formal: When going with the formal look you will want to wear a really nice dress. If the shower takes place after work then keep in mind that many people attending will be coming in their work clothes so you will want to dress in a business formal way. Try to wear bright and cheerful colors as a baby shower is a celebration of a new life to come and should be met with happy and cheerful colors.
• Casual: If the baby shower you will be attending is going to be a casual one then really you can wear what is most comfortable to you. If it is a close knit group of your friends then you will more than likely be fine in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. You can always go with a more casual sun dress if you want to dress down but not too down.

If all else fails you could call the expecting mother and ask her how she wants everyone to dress at the shower. But a word of caution here, many times a baby shower is a surprise so you have to be sure that it is not a surprise party before you call the mother to be and ruin the whole thing.

Once you are dressed and ready to go to the shower, go pick up a gift such as a baby t-shirt or onesie or even create your own custom t-shirt and enjoy your day at the baby shower that is sure to be filled with friends, fun, and games.

Nurse T-Shirts Show That You Are a Caring Person

Being a nurse is truly a calling. It is a profession that is simply not for just anyone, you need to have the heart for nursing in order to enter the field and be a good nurse. Nurses have more one-on-one contact with someone who is in need of health care, than doctors or any other healthcare professional. They are the ones who do the majority of the actual hands-on work, the caring and often make your healthcare experience one to remember and appreciate. Nurses are found in practically every healthcare environment and aid in helping people promote return to good health. Nurses are a critical part of our healthcare.

By choosing nursing, these professionals choose to spend huge amounts of time with people who are seriously in need. Often, nurses are providing care that the person themselves and other family members cannot. They are the front line of healthcare. They are much more than assistants to doctors. They have their own set of duties and tasks, things that only a nurse can do. When nurses are asked about why they have chosen their field, often their response is that they wanted to help people.

Nurses have the rare opportunity to find work in a wide variety of settings. They can be in the traditional hospital or clinical setting you would expect. They can also work in the corporate world, in schools, teaching and more. Because the need for healthcare is exploding, the need for nurses is too. No matter where you go, nursing is in demand! Salaries are competitive and there is flexibility in nursing that is not often found in most professions. Nursing is a field that offers endless opportunities, variety and excitement. You can adapt it to practically any phase of your lifetime and fit it to any schedule.

Nurses can opt to specialize further in the field that interests them. They can become surgical nurses, pediatric nurses, maternity nurses, cardiology nurses and more. They can get certification in certain areas, or get a master’s degree or doctorate in nursing to further their career. There is a licensing exam to ensure standards. There are continuing education requirements as well. Nursing is an area that requires a lot of study both before you enter the field and after.

If you are a nurse, be proud of having chosen a field that mixes caring and professionalism together. You are a rare type of person, who shows your concern for others in your work. Show your pride in your profession with a custom T-shirt that tells of it. You can get a shirt made up stating that you are proud to be a nurse or simply RN. You can also have fun with it and get a funny line printed on a tee like one of these:

Get a Nurse T-shirt today and show your love of life, health and helping others!

Tips for Men Buying Lingerie for their Partner

For a guy there is nothing sexier than seeing the woman he loves wearing some hot lingerie. Bringing home some lingerie for your girlfriend or wife can be a great way to show her you care and that you are willing to spice things up just a bit, but it can also lead to you getting kicked in the privates if you do not go about it in just the right way.

Following these tips will help you make a better decision when buying lingerie for your partner:

•   Make sure she likes lingerie: Before you even go to the mall to look, make sure your partner is into lingerie. If you bring home some sexy lingerie and your wife or girlfriend is not into it, you risk hearing, ‘What, you don’t like me the way I am?’ Not worth it. Drop a subtle hint or two if you have to, but find out for sure if she likes the stuff and remember just because you do, doesn’t mean she will.
•   Never guess on the size: Whatever you do, never guess on the size. Find out what size she is before you go as this will certainly help you to divert an absolute disaster. If you bring home a size that is too big for your partner you will not be having the fun you envisioned but you will be convincing her to not leave you and trying to get her to stop crying. If you have to guess a size, go smaller. You may get it wrong, but she will probably be flattered that you think of her so tiny. This of course could backfire too and have you hearing that same phrase from earlier, so do yourself a favor and find out what size she is beforehand.
•   Watch what you say: When you go into a lingerie store, the best place to get ideas is from the women who work at the store. While this is fine and dandy, don’t go home and say, ‘Yeah, this looked great on the sales girl, or the sales girl said you would like this.’ Lingerie is an intimate gift and even if you are not a mushy guy, don’t announce that to your partner.
•   Keep your receipt: Make sure you keep your receipt so if your partner doesn’t like what you picked, she can take it back and get what she wants.
•   Don’t go overboard: Unless your wife or girlfriend tell you otherwise, go conservative on what you pick. Going too risqué at first can be a big mistake. Start out with something nice and sexy, but stay on the more conservative side. As the time goes on you can attempt to get sexier outfits, but it’s not recommended right out of the gates.
•   Pick colors she likes: You may love that candy apple red teddy you saw, but if your partner hates red, don’t bother. The idea is to get her to wear what you buy so go with colors you know she likes.

Basically when you buy lingerie for your partner, just use common sense and remember that women sometime have very delicate feelings. Approaching the subject of lingerie with the utmost of caution will increase your chances of her wearing it the first time and many times after that.

Guide to Capri Pants

Capri pants were given a huge boost in recent years with more and more A-List movie stars being spotted in them when they are out and about just being casual. Capri pants can be a great alternative to wearing the same old same old and have that look of being in between too casual and too formal.

Believe it or not there are certain ‘rules’ when it comes to wearing capri pants though they are not hard and fast. Here are some things you should know about capri pants:

•   Don’t go long: Capri pants have to be just the right length. If they are too long, then you are wearing slacks and if they are too short, you are wearing shorts. So how long should they be? The ideal spot to have the bottom of your capri pants rest is the mid-point between your knees and your ankles, also known as the calf muscles.
•   Don’t go tight: One of the absolutely best things about capri pants is the fact that wearing a loose fitting pair can hide some of that extra weight that you may be carrying that you don’t necessarily want to show off to the rest of the world. That said you just don’t want to go tight with capri pants, even if you are skinny. The reason is simple; it will make your legs appear to be heavier than they are. If you have really nice legs and tone calf muscles than by all means go semi-tight, just not ultra tight.
•   Pick your passion: The traditional capri pants were all the same hum-drum kaki looking pants but today it is an entirely new ballgame. Today’s capri pants come in almost every color under the sun which makes them an extremely easy article of clothing to accessories. You can also choose capri pants that have the traditional solid look, or go with one’s that have laces hanging down the legs, or even with ones that have a laced up side, it’s really all up to you and what you think looks best on you.
•   Accessorize right: When it is hot outside a nice tank top will almost always does the trick to compliment your capri pants. When the weather starts getting a bit nippier then a cute long sleeved button down shirt fits the bill. You can choose to use a regular belt with your capri pants or you can find a fun wrap to help tie your outfit together. As for your shoes, really anything goes. Just stay casual and leave the high heels at home. A nice pair of wedge sandals always brings out the best in capri pants. When it’s too cold for sandals try a sassy pair of ankle high boots.

Capri pants can look good on almost any woman provided she wears them right. By choosing fun colors that you like and ensuring that the capri pants are the proper length and are not too tight, you will look your best anywhere you go in your capri pants.

Fun with the Girls Wearing Custom Bachelorette Party T-Shirts

Planning a wedding is a lot of work and many brides get stressed out often during the process. A bachelorette party is the best reason to get together with your girlfriends and go crazy. Whether your group of friends likes to go to a club, hire a stripper or just enjoy a nice quiet evening talking about the past, the celebration is sure to be fun.

A really nice way to show everyone what party they are with is to wear matching t-shirts. Wearing matching shirts will let other patron’s know what you are doing and why. This may help explain the erratic behavior, or allow men that would normally be too shy to approach one of you for a dance. The bride will also be ecstatic that you were considerate enough to make her day even more special.

Designing the perfect shirt for the group is easy when you use your imagination. Simply printing words onto shirts with the bride’s wedding colors is just one idea. Each shirt can have the name of the bride’s guest and her role in the upcoming wedding. The bride can have her shirt with simply “bride” so she can show off her happiness. Of course, this shirt can also warn others not to get in her way, bridezilla’s on the loose. Other titles can include “mother of the bride” “maid of honor” or “bridesmaid“.

For a more unique shirt, you can have cuter sayings for all the entire party. “What happens with the chicks, stays with the chicks” with several little girl chickens lined up would be really cute. “Bachelorette Party” says it all or adds the year for a more personal touch. “Girl’s Night Out” or even “last fling before the ring” are some other cute and simple sayings. Another idea is to have a shirt that reads, “We’re hear for the party” with the word bachelorette inserted with an editing symbol between “the” and “party” or a “Bachelorette Support Crew“.

Perhaps you want a shirt to really say more. “Buy me a shot, she’s tying the knot” or “Buy me a beer the end is near” are fantastic for those parties at bars and clubs. Including a graphic of cocktails or beers add a touch of spice to the your shirts. Or even a shirt that says, “”Bachelorette Party in Progress“, bridal party may be hot”. For just bridesmaids, the shirt can say “forget the bride, kiss the bridesmaid” while the bride where’s a shirt that says “property of groom” or “sorry guys I’m taken”.

Whatever you chose to do for your bachelorette party, enjoy it. Choosing matching shirts will make it really special and help everyone remember the great time years later. Have your shirts match what type of party you are planning to have whether it is a wild night out or a simple evening with the girls. This is an exciting time in your life and creating a cute shirt for your bachelorette party should be just as exciting and fun. Get started with a Wedding T-Shirt Template or Design Your Own Custom T-Shirt

Getting Wild at Mardi Gras in a Custom T-Shirt

Mardi Gras parades and parties across the country and across the world are a celebration of excess and indulgence. It’s hard to think of a better reason for a party, and it’s a great excuse to deck yourself out in a t-shirt of your own design. Your hair will be fixed, your neck will be full of beads, so why wear a plain shirt that has nothing to do with the occasion?

Mardi Gras t-shirts are a way to celebrate the occasion with a festive piece of clothing that is personal and creative. The design can be something that is associated with Mardi Gras, or it may commemorate one group’s trip to the festival. A customized shirt may even have a graphic of beaded necklaces on it to give the appearance that you’re wearing beads all of the time.

The year of the Mardi Gras celebration will remind you later about the great time that was had at that year’s Mardi Gras. The year is an important aspect of the t-shirt- every Mardi Gras is different, just as every year’s experiences are different. Other popular designs are the masks that so many people wear to Mardi Gras parties and parades. The masks are usually highly decorated, leaving the door open to a very personal design. They can be designed with any theme, from festive to scary to humorous.

If you’re working Mardi Gras as part of a Krewe or in another capacity, having a t-shirt is a must to let everyone know that you’re an important part of the celebration. These shirts are important if you are a part of a Mardi Gras team. They foster a team mentality and the confidence of knowing that you have done your part for the celebration. It’s also a way to impress members of the crowd that you want to meet.

If you’ve attended Mardi Gras, it’s a good idea to get a t-shirt made up to show that you went to Mardi Gras and had a great time. At Mardi Gras people go with the flow. They eat what’s thrown off the floats and wear the beads they find on the sidewalk. If you’re a Mardi Gras survivor, that’s an attractive persona to have. A t-shirt commemorating the celebration tells others what a fun-loving person you are and how spontaneous you can be. It’s a conversation starter with anyone who has ever been to Mardi Gras.

Everyone at Mardi Gras wants attention. But, it can be tough to get noticed in the crowds that surround the Mardi Gras floats. If you want to set yourself apart form the crown, a good t-shirt design will do it. Mardi Gras t-shirts are never boring or subdued. They are loud, they are ornate; they’re like Mardi Gras itself. These are t-shirts that get noticed, and get the person wearing them noticed as well. The shirt won’t necessarily stay on all night, but it still serves as a reminder of the fun and excess that took place.

What to Wear with Sperry Topsiders

5 Replies

When you hear the words ‘boat shoes’ you probably imagine a pair of Sperry Topsiders. Though the company now makes other types of shoes, their staple is still the classic Topsiders. The shoes are slip on and made or a durable leather on top and a non-skid bottom that is tough enough to withstand the wind and pounding rain on the deck of a boat and yet look good enough to hit the yacht club in.

You can wear your Sperry Topsiders with more than just clothes for the boat and still look great in the process. Here are a few examples of outfits that go great with Sperry Topsiders:

•   Preppy look: This is a classic look that involves the Topsiders. Start off with a pair of dress shorts that are beige or tan colored and wear a bright colored Polo style shirt tucked in. A brown belt contrasts the outfit nicely and will also match the color of the typical Topsiders. When wearing the Topsiders you should not have on any socks, but if you insist on doing so wear the kind that are below the ankle so that they stay as hidden as possible. Finish off the entire preppy look with a sweater cross draped over your shoulders.
•   Casual with jeans: A great casual look that utilizes the Topsider is jeans and a nice button down shirt. The shirt should be tucked in and again you will want to go with a brown belt to match the Topsiders. The jeans should be a comfort fit and not be worn too tightly as doing so will ruin the appearance of casual. No need to wear a tie with this look and a couple of buttons being undone on the shirt is just fine. Again you shouldn’t wear socks but if you have to opt for the ones that won’t be all that noticeable.
•   Khaki pants: No matter what color your khaki pants are, you can enhance the look with a pair of Sperry Topsiders. You can wear a Polo style shirt tucked in or you can go with a button down shirt that is long sleeved depending on how formal you wish to look. A nice lightweight jacket completes the look if it is chilly out. You can also wear a plain black scarf that is simply draped over your neck and allowed to hang evenly without tying it at all. The no sock rule still applies.
•   Get cute with skirts: Ladies can get cute with any type of skirt they wear as Sperry Topsiders now come in a wide variety of colors and not just the classic brown that everyone is accustomed too. Pair your favorite cute skirt with your favorite top and depending on the color find the perfect pair of Topsiders to compliment the outfit. If it is chilly out then a cardigan sweater will do the trick every time. Like the guys, if you wear socks, be sure they are hidden as much as possible.

Whether you are going out on the boat or just out for a night on the town, the Sperry Topsider is the ultimate shoe that can encompass both situations and then some.

How to Repair Scratches on Leather Clothing

Perhaps nothing looks as good as a leather piece of clothing. From a jacket to pants, you name it, nothing wears quite like leather. On the same token though, nothing looks worse than leather clothing that has scratches in it. While the deep scratches are extremely bad, event the smaller scratches can make even the nicest leather garment you own look dull and drab and can leave you so frustrated with a feeling of just wanting to throw them all away. So how do you repair scratches in your leather clothing?

There are a couple of ways that you can go about fixing your scratched leather clothing but probably the easiest way is to obtain a leather repair kit that can be found at almost any department store. Then you simply follow these four easy steps to once again make your leather look as good as new:

1.   Choose or mix your color: The kit will contain different colored liquid adhesives as there are different colors of leather. If the kit does not contain the precise color of your leather garment then you will have to mix and match as best you can until you match the color of the leather piece you are going to repair. This may take some time but do not rush this step. If you use an adhesive color that is too off from the garment, then it will stick out like a sore thumb.
2.   Apply adhesive: Once you have the right color you then apply that colored adhesive to the scratches on the leather garment using a toothpick. Be sure to smooth in the adhesive and try not to apply too much adhesive because that will result in a high spot that won’t look right.
3.   Use grain paper: The kit will also contain a number of grain papers that are meant to look like the grain of your leather garment. Compare the way the grain looks on the paper to the grain on your garment and when you find a match lay the paper flatly over the adhesive you applied on the garment. This will leave the grain appearance so that no one will be able to tell that you used a repair kit.
4.   Heat it all up: The last step in the leather repair process is to use the heat applicator that also comes in the kit to properly bond the adhesive to the leather garment. Take the heat applicator and work it around on top of the grain paper in small circular motions for several minutes and be sure that the entire area is treated.

After the process is finished you need only let the area on the garment completely cool off and dry overnight and come morning you should have a great looking leather garment that no longer contains those nasty scratches. So before you give up on your leather goods simply because they have a few scratches, try one of these repair kits, the results may surprise you and the cost will be far less than going out and buying all new leather.

What to Wear to Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras is a festive occasion that calls for letting go of your inhibitions and acting as wild as you want. It also calls for some specific clothing to make the celebration comfortable, safe and fun.

Mardi Gras colors

The traditional Mardi Gras colors are gold, purple and green. You’ll see this theme everywhere when you go to a Mardi Gras celebration. For this reason, many Mardi Gras goers like to wear clothing in those colors. You might choose a casual outfit such as a pair of purple pants, a green T-shirt and a gold jacket or gold necklace to represent these colors. You might also choose a Mardi Gras costume that embodies the spirit of Mardi Gras as well as the traditional colors.

Comfortable Clothing

One of the most important things to remember is that your close will probably get quite dirty during Mardi Gras. The trash and dirt that is left in the streets during the celebration is legendary. You will be wading through trash throughout the celebration and you may even have food thrown at you. Don’t wear anything that is very expensive or that you don’t want to get dirty, stained or torn.

Many people choose very casual, inexpensive clothing for this reason. Others make a yearly stop at the thrift store to buy inexpensive clothing that can be thrown away after Mardi Gras over. However you get your Mardi Gras clothing, make sure it is comfortable and easy to move it. You may be jumping for beads, you may be jumping over something dirty in the street or you may want to run alongside a parade float. Make sure your pants are not too tight for these activities and are not loose enough to catch on something and get you injured.

Leave the expensive jewelry at home. It may very well be stolen in the crowds, particularly at night. For Mardi Gras, accessorize with giant plastic beads. Even before Mardi Gras starts, you can buy lots of Mardi Gras beads at any souvenir shop. And once the parades start, you should be able to catch them from the floats. Wear as many Mardi Gras beads as you can for the ultimate Mardi Gras experience.

Shoes

There are two schools of thought on Mardi Gras shoes. The first is that you should wear very tough boots because your feet will get stepped on and you will be wading through garbage. A strong pair of boots will make sure that your toes come through just fine and the dirt in the street doesn’t touch you. However, the garbage can be hard on a pair of boots and they may end up ruined.

The other school of thought is to buy the cheapest pair of shoes you can and then to throw them away after the celebration is over. Whenever shoes you choose, they should be a dark color so that the stains aren’t as obvious. Even if you are keeping the shoes, you may not want to look at dirty, stained shoes all night.

How To Hand Wash Clothes

2 Replies

Hand washing clothes is quickly becoming a lost art in today’s world. As wash and wear garments and more casual looks and fabrics have become more popular, more people than ever have wardrobes that are made up entirely of items that can be thrown in the washer and dryer. The big drawback with these types of clothing is that it limits you in the styles you wear and especially when it comes to delicate garments, fine fabrics and adorned outfits. Many such items need dry cleaning or hand washing in order to preserve their quality. With the high cost and inconvenience of dry cleaning proving to be stumbling blocks for many people, hand washing is the only remaining option. Knowing how to properly hand wash clothes will save you money and open up a whole new world of rich fabrics and clothing options that you’ve only dreamed of.

The true way to hand wash clothes is to start by spot treating any stains on the clothes, like you would if you were washing by machine. Fill up the sink, or a container big enough to hold your item and allow for agitation, with cold water. The cold water will prevent shrinking and color fading. Add laundry soap that is specifically formulated for hand washing in cold water. Be precise with the measurement as it will take a long time to rinse out excess suds if you add too much. When the soap is completely dissolved, add the item of clothing you wish to wash. If you have more than one item that needs hand washing, do only one at a time.

Move the clothing around in your soapy water gently in order to create mild agitation. This will allow the water to work through the garment loosening dirt. Pay particular attention to the underarm area, the neckline and any spots on it. Gently rub such areas with your fingers to remove stubborn stains and odors. When you are content that your clothing item is as clean as possible, you will need to rinse it. Using cold water only, rinse the item multiple times until no bubbles are produced when you add water.

With all the suds out of your hand washed item, it is time to dry it. Gently squeeze as much water out of the item as possible. Compress the fabric gently and do not twist it. Then using a heavy absorbent dry towel, lay the clothing flat and roll it up in the towel. Repeat gently compressing the rolled towel to get out excess moisture. Check the item’s label for further drying instructions. You may be able to put it in a cool dryer, hang it to dry or lay it flat to dry. Whatever the drying technique used, you will have sped it up considerably by getting the item as dry as possible before hand.

The alternative to true hand washing is to use your washer’s extra gentle cycle. It may even have a setting on it called hand wash. Be sure to use cold water and special detergent. This is a much more time efficient way to “hand wash” your items that need such treatment. However, one thing to keep in mind is that while the setting is very slow and gentle it is still a machine and the possibility for damage to your clothes still exists.

Learn to properly hand wash clothes now and enjoy the world of delicate clothes while saving money too.

What To Wear With White Shoes

Have you ever wondered what would go with those new white shoes you just purchased? We all know the tradition to not wear white shoes after Labor Day, so wearing white shoes is often avoided because people just don’t know what coordinates with that color. Whenever you want to sport your unique style, opt to wear a pair of shoes in a color that is not worn often, like white. You can start your outfit with the shoes and then work your way up to create a fashion-forward ensemble exclusive to your own style.

One easy way to pair white shoes with an outfit is to make sure there is white in your clothing. So, if you are wearing a black and white striped blouse with a black pencil skirt, you can coordinate a nice pair of white flats with your outfit without looking too “matched.” Another rule you may follow is to wear a white belt with white shoes. Mix darker colors with the white to accentuate the light colors in your belt and shoes. Your shoes and belt should always match unless you really want to commit a fashion “crime.”

If you are a female and feeling flirty, how about wearing a pair of dark tights, breezy skirt and a cute off-the-shoulder top with white party shoes. The dark in your clothing will make the white shoes stand out for an easy retro look. If you are a male and really want to get some attention and receive comments on your fashion sense, then choose a nice pair of white dress shoes to wear with a suit. Instead of the traditional black suit with black shoes, try wearing white shoes with that black suit. Remember, you must match your shoes and belt.

Keep in mind that white shoes are often considered a “No No” after the summer season. During the summertime, light and bright colors are worn to match the spirit of the season. When the cooler months come around, we tend to bring out the darker colors in our clothing. Some white shoes have small details on them that can help you coordinate your shoes with your outfit. Many heeled shoes have a heel made out of a dark material while the rest of the shoe is white. This helps to not draw so much attention to the shoe.

Also, tiny embellishments and decals on the shoe can allow you to choose what color will go well with the shoes. So, if there is a red bow on the white shoe, find a nice red patterned dress to match. Consider colors that are neutral and toned-down, like grays and tans. A cute pair of white shoes can really set off a stylish look when paired with colors that don’t stand out so much. When matching a purse with an outfit with white shoes, try to avoid matching the purse and shoes exactly. You can look like you really tried too hard to put the outfit together and that will never win you a fashion award. Instead, choose a purse in a color that is light enough to complement the white shoes so the outfit looks great as a whole.

When you choose to step out of the traditional fashion rules of society, you can either make a big fashion mistake, or you can wow everyone with your great fashion sense. So next time you buy white shoes, think about the many different ways you can coordinate them with the top fashions of today without looking like you even had to try!

The Difference between Khakis and Chinos

Many men have a very hard time differentiating between khakis and chinos and there is good reason for this. The two are not one in the same but their differences are not all that great and if you don’t know what it is you are looking for you will be lumped into the group of most men that have no clue as to what the difference is.

The following describes the two very distinct types of trousers:

Khakis

If you are confused as to what a khaki pant is, just look at an advertisement for the Gap. Most of the guys in those ads are wearing khakis with a loose button down shirt. Although khaki is a color, it also describes the material. Khakis are made of 100 percent cotton and come in a variety of colors including khaki, navy blue, beige, black and other earthy tones. Khakis are more of a casual pant and can be seen on men all across America on casual Friday. The have the unique ability to look somewhat dressy, like for a business luncheon, but also can be worn in an ultra casual environment like when it is boy’s night out.

Chinos

Chinos are typically made with a blend of cotton and other synthetic fibers that give it a stretchier feel. They can be spotted by the more narrow cut of the legs and the way that they tapper at the bottom. Chinos are considered dressier than jeans and khakis but can also be worn in some casual circumstances. While chinos too can be worn on a casual Friday, they can also be worn any other day of the week as they are more formal.

Differences:

Besides the cut and material difference of khakis and chinos, there is a difference in what should be worn with both and also in their price:

• Shirts: When it comes to khakis, really anything goes. They can look good a button down shirt, a short sleeved collared shirt or even a nice form fitted t-shirt. In most instances, the shirts are worn untucked and the pants are almost always worn on a casual occasion. When men wear chinos they tend to wear button downs that are a bit on the dressier side. Sometimes it is appropriate to untuck the shirts, but more times than not, they will be tucked in.
• Price: Perhaps the biggest difference with khakis and chinos is the price. Khakis can be found at almost any department store and usually have a price range of $20 to $30. Depending on the material of the chinos, a really nice pair could set you back as much as $200. There is of course an exception to every rule, but this rule is pretty standard.

Whichever type of pants you decide to go with remember that both khakis and chinos can be worn on just about any occasion. Each style offers you a way to look great and stylish while being comfortable at the same time so which one you pick is really up to you.

What to Wear to a Hockey Game

4 Replies

If you’re going to a hockey game, it can be a little confusing when you try to figure out what to wear. On one hand, hockey games can be hot because of the crowd. You may get into a sweat because all of the screaming bodies around you will be raising the temperature in the room. However, you also have to remember that hockey involves ice and ice can lower the temperature considerably. For this reason, dressing to go a hockey game takes some special consideration. Wearing a hockey jersey is always advisable, but there are other things to think about as well.

Near the Ice

The way you dress if you are sitting near the ice is far different from the way you dress up you’re sitting higher up. When you sit close to the ice, such as in the first 4 or 5 rows, the temperature will be much cooler than it will be if you are farther away from the rink. If you are in the front row it is particularly cold. However, this cold is generally only felt in the extremities. Because you are still in the arena and the crowds will make it warmer, you will likely only feel the cold of the ice in your hands and feet. If you’re going to a hockey game and will be sitting close to the rink, make sure to wear very warm shoes as well as thick socks. You may want to wear two pairs of socks and thick shoes just to make sure you don’t sit through the hockey game miserable because your feet are cold.

If you are sitting a few rows back from the ice, your feet still may get cold, though you may not have to double up on your socks. Just make sure you wear warm shoes and leave the peep-toe shoes and sandals at home.

Far From the Ice

If you are sitting considerably further from the ice, you should probably still forget about sandals because your feet can get stepped on by the crowd. You should expect it to be warm once the crowd gets going, but don’t expect it to be as warm as a basketball game or another indoor sporting event. It will be warm, but the ice will cool the temperature enough so that you should be comfortable in regular indoor clothing. Casual clothing items such as jeans and a t-shirt are heavy enough for most hockey game spectator seats.

Outerwear

If there won’t be much of a crowd, you may need to wear some outerwear if you are going to be within the first 10 or 15 rows. A crowded hockey game will be rather warm in many of these rows, but if the game crowd is sparse, it will be cold. You will need to wear gloves and a coat to stay comfortable if there is no crowd. You may also need to wear very thick socks and you may even be more comfortable if you are wearing a hat.

How to Become a Personal Shopper

If you love to shop and are up to date on all the latest in the fashion and glamour world you may be the perfect job candidate for a personal shopper. Personal shoppers are individuals that do much more than just shop for other people. A personal shopper has the experience and talent to look at people on an individual basis and break down what that person needs to be more in fashion. The personal shopper then either goes with individual to assist them in shopping for fashion, or gets free reign and is responsible for bringing back items to the client. Another responsibility could be picking up gifts for individuals to give out, so you have to know what is appropriate to give in all situations. Sound like it is for you?

There is no real formal training for a personal shopper and becoming one is really a matter of selling yourself and your abilities. Here are some steps to help you blaze a trail for becoming a personal shopper:

1.   Know your stuff: You have to know what’s hot and what’s not and be able to translate that to potential clients. Working a retail job at a high department store for a while is a great way to get paid while you learn. While doing this attend every fashion show within a 100 mile radius of you and read, read, read. The more knowledge you can display the easier it will be for you to get clients.
2.   Create a portfolio: Put together outfits and photograph them so that you have something to show a potential client. Make notes of any and all trends you see coming and going as you never know when they may come in handy when talking to potential clients. Once you do get a client or two, be sure to photograph their progress if they will allow it and use these photos to further sell yourself to other.
3.   Get clients: Get out and start marketing yourself. At first you will have to be very vigorous at this and you should also charge a reduced fee. Once your repudiation grows you will be able to gradually slide up your fees. You should always ‘grandfather’ in your existing clientele at their low rate as raising their rates may lead to them getting agitated with you and leaving you. The idea is to build up your client list so that they always refer you to others.
4.   Give unmatched service: once you have a handful of clients, give then unmatched service and the rest will take care of itself. Happy clients will not only remain loyal to you, but they will recommend you to all of their family and friends and before you know it your personal shopper business will be booming. Word of mouth is key in the world of a personal shopper so service your clients right.

Though you may have been called things like a shopaholic or a mall rat in the past, you can translate that behavior into a rewarding career as a personal shopper.

Guide to Body Shapers

Body shapers do exactly what you would think they would and that is shape the body of a woman to make it more flattering or appealing. Body shapers are the perfect solution for any woman that wants to appear to be shapelier whether you are above your ideal weight to just at your ideal weight. Body shapers have the ability to dramatically change your figure and can take inches off but it should be noted that body shapers have no long term effects that will last. Once the body shaper comes off, your body goes right back to the way it was. But if you don’t want to get liposuction and exercise isn’t your thing, then a body shaper may be for you.

Body shapers are hardly a new concept and can be traced back to the day and age of the corset. The biggest difference is that body shapers can shape more than just the chest and mid section and they are heck of a lot more comfortable than the traditional corset.

Body shapers come in different forms to shape different parts of the body, such as:

•   Boy shorts: Many women wear these on a day to day basis to help slim the appearance of their thighs and backsides. Because they constrict and shape those areas you can have a great looking derriere without hitting the gym.
•   Upper body: Meant to tone the upper body up, they wear like an undershirt.
•   Full body: This type of body shaper shapes you from your head to toe, well almost. They can shape everything like your thighs, bottom, stomach, chest and even upper arms.
•   For guys: Yes they even have body shapers for guys that want to flatten out their beer bellies. They look like a typical sleeveless undershirt but they hold in the gut a lot better.

Though more comfortable than the corsets of old, depending on how many inches a body shaper is supposed to take off will depend on how much you notice it. If you are simply wearing one to ‘slim’ down a bit, you will probably not notice it much at all, but if you are wearing one to dramatically take some inches off then you will more than likely know it is there. You may also have more discomfort than others if you have sensitive skin.

Because they are meant to go on under the cloths and not be noticeable most body shapers are a skin tone or lighter color. They will vary in price according to what type they are, what brand name they are, and of course by how much they are supposed to take off.

Again, these body shapers while effective in shaping you up, will only do so on an interim basis. To get any lasting results you will have to execute the good old fashioned discipline of a good diet and plenty of exercise. But in the mean time, if your high school reunion is coming up and you want to look as close as possible to the good old days, then a body shaper will certainly do the trick for you.

How to Choose Socks

Socks are perhaps the most overlooked article of clothing that is worn. Not only do socks keep your favorite shoes from getting stinky, but they protect your feet as well. Choosing a good sock can mean the difference in complete pain or complete comfort for your feet all day long. Socks come in many lengths nowadays and include:

•   No show: Can’t be seen when wearing a pair of sneakers.
•   Ankle high: Only comes up to the ankles, barley visible with a pair of sneakers.
•   Calf high: Comes up to the bottom of the calf. Some like to pull them all the way up while others prefer to push them down.
•   Knee high: Generally reserved for outdoor activities in the winter time when it is cold.

The length is generally a personal preference but what should be considered before you buy socks is what do you need the socks for?

No matter what kind of socks you buy you should ensure that they are a snug fit. The last thing you want to have is a pair of socks that keeps slipping down as this is a constant aggravation. There are as many different styles of socks so here is a quick reference to help you choose your socks:

•   Athletic socks: If you are into sports and are buying socks for your sporting event, be sure to get socks that have plenty of padding on the underside. This will help absorb all the shock from the added activity of the sport.
•   Work socks: If you need to buy work socks it is because you have a job where you stand on your feet part or all of the day. These socks should be thicker to offer you the most cushions possible so they can act like a shock absorber to your entire foot. If you wear work boots at your job, be sure that you get a sock that is high enough to cover the entire area and then some that the boot covers. You don’t want to get ankle high socks for work boots that are high topped.
•   Business socks: These stocks are generally lighter in material and are always colored. If your feet tend to sweat a lot you can buy business socks known as liner socks. These types of socks will help you to wick away sweat and avoid a wet and smelly foot.

Sock colors

Aside of business socks which come in a million different colors and patterns, most socks now come in white, black, blue, and even some other colors. There is really no advantage to one color over another, except that a darker color will of course hide stains better, so the choice of color is really up to you. Usually people choose sock color by what else is being worn.

Sock materials

The majority of socks are made of cotton because this allows for the foot to breath. However, if you are doing outdoor activities in the snow for example, a nice heavy duty wool pair of socks will keep your feet warmer and dryer than regular cotton.

Socks come in all shapes, sizes, and colors now. Having the proper pair of socks for what you are doing will help keep your feet feeling good all day long.

How To Remove Perfume Stains

Perfumes are a wonderful way for people to add a special touch when they are getting dressed. Many people feel completely naked without perfume. For many individuals, their perfume is their signature and one of the must-haves before they are ready to leave home. With such a wide variety of perfumes on the market, there is literally something for everyone. Perfumes come in a mesmerizing blend of different scents and colors and have fascinating chemistry behind them. Despite the sexiness and complexity of perfumes, one simple thing remains as an issue for many people. Perfume stains clothing.

While we are always told to put on perfume while naked and let it dry before dressing, many people forget or neglect this advice. This means that countless individuals are left battling perfume stains when laundry time comes around. Knowing how to remove perfume stains will be a blessing for you if this is something you commonly have to deal with.

If you see that you have gotten perfume on an item of clothes, remove it right away and start stain removal techniques immediately. Getting to any stain as soon as it happens is the absolute best way to have a fighting chance at getting rid of it.

If the fabric of the item is silk, rayon or acetate, rinse it in water if it is indeed something that can be washed. By holding the item in cold running water you should be able to get rid of much of the stain. If some remains use glycerin and gently rub it into the spot. Rinse it again with more cold water. If you have still not completely gotten rid of the spot, use a weak solution of white vinegar and water. However, you should be very careful when using this type of solution. You may also want to pretest a hidden portion of the garment to check for color fastness. Rinse again with cold water before washing the item as usual.

If you have perfume stains on most other fabrics like cotton, linen, nylon, acrylic, wool, polyester, olefin and spandex, you will want to use a different stain removal method. Using a cloth that has been dampened, gently dab at the perfume stains to remove them working from the inside of the stain outwards. Be sure to place something absorbent underneath before you begin. Once the stain seems to be gone or at least, diminished, rinse the item in cold running water. Repeat the process until the stain is completely gone. If it continues to remain and the fabric is not acrylic, you can place a pad of rubbing alcohol on the stain to absorb it. It should soak up the stain and can be replaced with clean pads as necessary. When stain is gone, rinse well with water and wash as usual.

By knowing these top tips for getting rid of even the most stubborn perfume stains, you can feel confident in applying your perfume of choice, even if you’ve already dressed.

History of Groundhog Day & T-Shirts to Help Celebrate

In the United States, Ground Hog Day, known as Candlemas in other parts of the world, is a day on which the weather pattern for the following six weeks will be determined, not by science or methods of meteorology, but by a ground hog. That’s right, a ground hog.

German and English immigrants originally brought the custom of predicting the weather patterns in the midst of winter to determine the advent of spring to America. Basically, what happens is this: If a ground hog or wood chuck comes out of his winter hole on February 2nd and sees his shadow, six more weeks of winter are on the horizon. If the ground hog doesn’t see his shadow because of clouds, it means that winter will soon give way to a warm and pleasant spring. Scientific? No. Fun? Yes!

The tradition of Ground Hog Day is not in any way connected to any religious celebration, which makes it different from many other American holiday traditions. The tradition of watching the ground hog in America became popular mainly in Pennsylvania, perhaps due to the amount of German immigrants who made their homes in that state after arriving in America. However, it is in northwestern Pennsylvania that the behavior of the ground hog has accrued the most fame, in a town where the Punxsutawney Ground Hog Club first appeared in 1898. Members of local Punxsutawney town claim they are the ‘home of the traditional weather forecasting ground-hogs’. Every year, town members, and over the years, members from communities throughout the United States, travel to Punxsutawney to watch the ground hog, nicknamed, ‘Punxsutawney Phil’ either scoot back into his winter hole or stay aboveground to explore and eye the hundreds of humans watching his every move. The observance begins as people take a short walk up Gobbler’s Knob in the rolling foothills of the Allegheny Mountains to watch the antics of the ground hog as he emerges from his den. The actions of the mammal are immediately reported to newspapers across the country, and either brings smiles or frowns to those anticipating an early spring.

Another rival ground hog club founded in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania that calls itself the Slumbering Groundhog Lodge of Quarryville, was begun in 1908. Their members swear to protect the ground hog from all sorts of tragedies, including ending up in local stew pots. These two groups fan out and watch for the activities of ground hogs in their vicinity every year on February 2nd, sometimes arriving at specific locations before dawn in order to catch every potential move made by the elusive ground hogs. In Quarryville, the day is celebrated with fun and games to mark the eventful day. Other ground hog groups founded in Pennsylvania, among them the Greater Philadelphia Grounghoggers, have spent decade’s carefully watching ground hogs on February 2nd. The antics of these clubs has gained an international reputation, though the National Geographic Society announced that the entire ground hog idea as ridiculous, and weathermen decided long ago that the ground hog as a weather forecaster was only correct 28% of the time.

Nevertheless, Ground Hog Day is recognized and observed around the United States, on February 2nd and offers American citizens an opportunity for good, traditional homespun fun, and people around America join in with laughter and winks. School children are often read the story of ‘Punxsutawney Phil’ and learn about the ground hog mammal, who is given a great deal of attention and respect, for a few days anyway. Ground Hog Day, while not a national holiday, has nevertheless become an ingredient of American tradition and folklore, and will no doubt continue to be observed, if only tongue in cheek.

Celebrate the day with your own Groundhog Day T-Shirts or create your own custom t-shirt for Groundhog Day.

Featured T-Shirt Design – “I Don’t Quit” (There are no other job openings)

A recent creation by one of our designers who is making light of the current (and very serious) unemployment rate in the United States. Barack Obama’s statement “I Don’t Quit” is missing a bit of what Obama really meant to say during the State of the Union address which was “I don’t quit because there are no other job openings”. Whether you love or hate Obama you can still wear this t-shirt to make light of tough economic times and high unemployment rates.