Category Archives: Fashion Advice

Advice for wearing and caring for your clothing and t-shirts.

White shoes

What To Wear With White Shoes

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!

Khaki and chinos

The Difference between Khakis and Chinos

Khaki 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.

Hockey

What to Wear to a Hockey Game

Hockey

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.

Body shaper

Guide to Body Shapers

Body shaper

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.

Socks

How to Choose Socks

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.

Nick Jonas

How to Dress Like Nick Jonas

Nick Jonas

Nick Jonas is the lead singer of the Jonas Brothers Band that features the three brothers singing all kinds of poppy music on the Disney Channel and beyond. The group’s fame has lead them all the way to their own television show on the Disney Channel called JONAS. Among teenagers there is probably no other male artist today that has the popularity that Nick Jonas does with the younger ladies. Add that to the fact that he has dated –or at least was rumored to have dated- Miley Cyrus (Niley) and it is no wonder why so many teenage boys now want to dress like him.

Jonas has a classic cool look about him and seems to resemble some of the rockers of yesteryear but he always puts his own flair on the style as well. Here are some ways that you can go about dressing like Nick Jonas:

•    Skinny jeans: Like many teenagers these days, Jonas like to go with skinny jeans. If you are not a fan of skinny jeans you will need to go with a tight pair of jeans otherwise the look is instantly lost. Stick with darker colors when selecting your skinny jeans as that is what Jonas is usually wearing.
•    Shirts and tops: Jonas likes to layer his shirts and tops and will usually wear an undershirt followed by a t-shirt and then top it all off with a light jacket. The jacket should be vintage and lightweight and you should leave it unbuttoned to get the full effect. If the jacket has a collar, be sure to go classic Jonas style and ‘pop’ up the collar. You can also go with another one of Jonas’ favorite styles and wear a muscle shirt that is sleeveless and looks like it came out of the seventies. When Jonas does this style shirt he usually has an odd pattern like horizontal stripes and he never wears what are known as ‘wife beaters.’
•    Shoes: This is the easiest part of Jonas’ ensemble to nail. All you need is a pair of Converse high tops that are a lighter color and you will nail the Nick Jonas shoe look. Jonas wears his Converse with just about every outfit he has.
•    Accessories: Jonas likes to accessorize and does so in a wide variety of ways. Sometimes Jonas will sport his now tell-tail scarf that he sometimes let hang and other times wraps around his neck. Other times Jonas likes to wear a button down shirt and top it off with a loosely tied neck tie. His neck ties will range from a traditional color like red or navy blue on one night and then a wild and whacky color like lime green on another, it really just depends on the outfit he is wearing. He also has a number of necklaces he likes to wear from time to time. So the point is to go with something to decorate your neckline and you can’t miss.

No just practice his famous jump that he does on stage and maybe get some voice lessons and you too will be driving the girls crazy.

Corset

What to Wear with a Corset

Corset

Back in the old days women wore corsets under their clothing in an effort to shape their torsos in a way that was becoming of the time. These days women still like to shape their torsos with a corset but they are no longer trying to hide the fact that they are wearing the garment and instead are wearing corsets as an outer wear piece as opposed to an underwear piece.

Corsets can be worn in a number of different ways and paired with many different looks to create certain styles. Here are some ways you can wear your corset:

•    With jeans: A great look with a corset is a great looking pair of jeans. Because the corset is tight the jeans too should be tight. With this look you can go totally risqué and wear jeans and the corset only or you can go with a long sleeved undershirt that is open at the neck line and wear the corset over top of that. If you wear a standalone corset you will obviously get one that covers your breasts but if you wear a shirt underneath then you will want to opt for the type of corset that goes just below the bust line. Finish off the look with a strappy style heel.
•    With dresses: This look is being made popular by a number of Hollywood starlets on the red carpet. A nice form fitting dress that puffs out at the bottom is what you will start with and then finish it off with a corset over top. The corset will be the type that goes just below the bust line and it should contain a contrasting color in relation to the dress. Your shoes should be heels and should complement the dress you wear.
•    With tights: Another popular and easy look to pull off with a corset is the tights look. Start with a pair of black tights and then get a short sleeved white t-shirt that is longer than normal and that will hang off of one shoulder. Then wear a black corset that comes just under the bust line and complete this sassy look with a pair of black heels.
•    With a jacket: This look requires jeans to start off with that are usually a darker color. Next you will wear a standalone corset that will cover your breasts. The corset can be any color you like, but a brighter color such as red will draw more attention to the fact that you have it on. Finally wear a blazer style jacket or even a leather jacket and the look is complete. High heels go perfect with this look.
•    Pencil skirts: Wearing a pencil skirt and a matching stand alone corset makes for a great slimming look. The corset can have some simple designs to it such as vertical stripes if you like or you can opt for a solid color. This style is complimented well with a pair of matching pump-style heels.

Corsets are not just for making women look slim anymore. They are now in the mainstream of fashion and make a statement of confidence and sexiness all at the same time.

Marilyn Monroe

How to Dress Like Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe

In the middle of the last century there was no bigger star or sex symbol than Marylyn Monroe. She was so popular that she even got to sing Happy Birthday to then President of the United States, John F. Kennedy.  She was a brilliant actress that unfortunately couldn’t seem to shed her ‘dumb blonde’ look and so her roles were limited. What she did achieve in her short life though was the admiration of women everywhere. Still to this day over 40 years after her tragic passing she is loved and admired by women of all ages. For this reason many women want to emulate her and learn how to dress like her.

To capture the essence of Marilyn Monroe you have to go after the more simplistic look and have the ability to make it look amazing as Monroe did. Here are some tips to help you dress like Marilyn Monroe:

•    Go with dresses: Monroe often wore dresses and anyone who knows the famous seen of her white dress blowing up knows why. While there are some shots of her in pants and even jeans, for the most part she was a dress girl. When you choose your dresses go with the style of dress that is more form fitting on the top and flows out at the bottom. Don’t just go with just white either as Monroe wore a number of different colors. You can try all sorts of pastel colors here but stay away from dark as Monroe wasn’t a fan of it. Stick to pinks, yellows, and anything else that is bright and cheery.
•    Very high heels: Monroe had great legs and used a very high heel to accentuate this fact. Because she wore dresses all the time, she wore heels all the time, though it has been said that she always wore heels, even when she was being her most casual in jeans. Choose heels that have a closed toe for the most part and make sure that the color compliments the outfit you are wearing.
•    Accessories: Monroe was a simple girl here. She usually wore a simple string of pearls, some chandelier earrings and nothing else. Make sure that your earrings sport diamonds as Monroe’s always did and never forget what she said, ‘Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.’
•    Hair and make-up: Cut your hair shoulder length and bleach it blonde. Give it some added style and flare by giving it loose or tight curls. Wearing your hair this way will give you that ‘blonde bombshell look.’ Wear plenty of make-up but always try to achieve a look of not having too much on with the exception of your lips. Here you will want to go with a bright red that draws attention to you. Monroe had wonderfully long eyelashes and if you don’t, you can always wear false ones.

Now simply add a little wiggle to your hips when you walk and make your voice as sultry as possible and your transformation into Marilyn Monroe will be complete.

Gladiator shoes

What to Wear with Gladiator Shoes

Gladiator shoes

From the times of the Romans straight in to modern fashion comes gladiator shoes and gladiator sandals. These versatile shoes look exactly like the shoes of old except that they now come in many different colors where the ones from long ago were typically gold in color. Because of this, gladiator shoes can go with a wide variety of outfits and still look great.

Gladiator shoes are gaining so much popularity that they can even be seen in some instances on the red carpet. Here are some different ways in which you can dress up a pair of gladiator shoes:

•    Miniskirts: Gladiator skirts look great with miniskirts. You can get a pull-over miniskirt that is a dark color such as black and dress it up with very strappy gladiator shoes that come up at least the bottom of your calf. The color of the gladiator shoes can be either black or gold and either one works for an unbelievably great look.
•    Skinny jeans: Just another accessory for skinny jeans, the gladiator shoes that are just above ankle high look great and won’t have your foot coming off looking ten times too big as other shoes tend to do. Because skinny jeans are made to stop at your ankle they make the perfect candidate for a dark brown or black pair of gladiator shoes.
•    Short shorts: This is a look straight out of Hollywood. Wearing gladiator shoes that come up to just below the calf are a growing sight with starlets when they are off the set. Topped off with a nice black t-shirt or blouse, this style will have you looking casual and cool all at the same time. If the weather is feeling on the chilly side you can top off the look with a lightweight button up sweater.
•    Dress pants: Wearing a typical pair of lighter colored dress pants such as cream and topping it off with a white blouse that is frilly towards the top and finished with a matching blazer is the perfect pairing for gladiator shoes. The gladiator shoes will actually just take the place of your work shoes and make for a wonderful head turning alternative to the everyday loafer.
•    Tights: Start with black tights and then go with a pull-over dress that is a lighter color like white. Go with black gladiator shoes and top off the look with a lightweight leather jacket.
•    Toga, toga: At some point in time everyone gets to experience a toga party. These are great fun and will certainly leave you with lots of memories. If you want to be the perfect toga dresser then top off your toga outfit with a pair of gladiator shoes that come up to the bottom of your knees. This will give you the authentic look of the Romans which are one of the cultures that gave the world this fashion.

Though the time of the Romans have come and gone, there timeless shoes have not. Gladiator shoes can be paired with many different garments in your closet and using your imagination will have you looking your best no matter where you go in them.

Wedding dress

How To Rent A Wedding Dress

Wedding dress

Renting a wedding dress is an excellent choice for anyone trying to save money on their wedding expenses. It is also a great choice for anyone who wants to wear a designer dress that is out of their price range. It is also perfect for the bride who just doesn’t want to spend an extra ordinate amount of money on a dress that will be worn just once. In fact for anyone who is into living a green lifestyle, renting a wedding dress is the way to go, as it is reused, rather than taking up space before eventually heading to a landfill.

If you want to rent a wedding dress for your big day the first thing you will need to do is locate a wedding dress rental company. In many big cities, and especially in areas known for destination weddings, you should be able to find wedding dress rental companies easily. Typically you will need to make an appointment in order to try on dresses. If you have a picture of a dream dress that you can bring along, it will greatly help the professionals who are working with you and potentially save you a lot of time.

Even though men have traditionally rented their tux for getting married, renting a wedding gown is a relatively new idea. Therefore there are not a ton of stores out there which offer this option. There is also no industry standard for such arrangements yet either. Therefore you must read the terms and conditions of the rental carefully in order to make sure you are not costing yourself extra money.

Here are some of the things to look out for. Check the duration of the dress rental. If you are renting a dress and going away for the ceremony, you may not be able to bring it back in time. Most gown rental companies include cleaning of the dress prior to and following use in the price of the rental. However, be sure that is indeed the case. In regards to alterations, rules differ widely. Some companies forbid alterations completely; others provide alterations free of charge, while others allow you to pay for your own alterations if needed, but only through their chosen tailor. Whatever the policy be sure to abide by it or you may have a huge bill on your hands.

When you are looking for a dress to rent, remember the accessories. While some companies offer wedding packages, complete with shoes, purse, petticoats if necessary, a veil and more, others will charge piece by piece. Don’t invest in items you will never wear again if you are renting a dress. However, you may want to buy your own shoes, as white shoes are always practical.

There are also online options for renting wedding dresses. Some companies have an inventory of dresses that you can choose from. Other sites are forums that provide an advertising space for individuals who want to rent their own dresses. If you choose to go this route, choose a dress that is not too far away geographically to save on shipping costs. Read the agreement carefully as it will differ from renter to renter.

Cut your wedding costs, while making a wise choice for the environment, by opting to rent a wedding dress. Your special day will be just as special and you’ll be just as beautiful.

Salsa

What to Wear Salsa Dancing

Salsa

When you go salsa dancing you need to be sure that you not only dress to impress but that you also dress for functionality. The last thing you want to do is wear the wrong attire when salsa dancing because it could actually lead to an embarrassing moment or even an injury. The best rule of thumb is to call ahead to the salsa club that you will be attending and ask them if there is a certain dress code that they have as this is sometimes the case. More times than not though you can either dress to impress or go casual, it’s really up to you.

Here are some things that you should consider before you go out for your next night of salsa dancing fun:

•    Shoes: Your shoes will be the most important thing that you wear. You need to have comfortable shoes that do not have a rubber sole. Ideally you will want to go with salsa shoes that have a suede bottom. This will allow for greater movement and not have you twisting your ankle when you move and grove at the club due to the rubber catching on the floor. Besides, most salsa clubs will not allow you to wear sneakers or shoes with rubber soles as they will mark up the floors.
•    Dresses and skirts for women: Women can wear any number of salsa skirts or dresses that come in a variety of fun colors and fashions. Most of these skirts are on the shorter side so if you feel like it may flip up during the night you may want to wear a short pair of shorts underneath.
•    Non dresses for women: In some clubs it will be acceptable for you ladies to wear jeans and halter tops. If you are wearing a halter top just be sure it has adequate coverage for when you do any dips or bending over while dancing. Your jeans should be a loose fit to allow you the maximum amount of movement. Whatever you do, leave the skinny jeans far behind.
•    Pants for the guys: Guys can come in pants or even in jeans but be sure that whatever it is you are wearing will leave you with a great deal of movement. If you wear pants that are too tight you will risk tearing them and that will only leave you embarrassed.
•    Shirts for guys: You will want to go with a short sleeved shirt that is made of a breathable material. Never wear long sleeves as this will leave you as hot as can be and eventually nothing more than a sweaty mess.
•    Colors: Go with darker colors for skirts and shirts that will show a bit of your wild side. Colors such as red, purple, dark blue, and even orange will stand out and have you looking your best.

Remember the key to salsa dancing is comfort. Yes you want to look good, but if you are not comfortable then even the best dressed person will fail to have a good time.

Hem

How to Hem a Pair of Pants

Hem

How many times have you found the perfect pair of pants fit wise only to be discouraged because you realize that they are way too long? Well that should never deter you from buying those pants and if you know how to hem a pair of pants, it won’t. Learning how to hem pants gives you a distinct advantage every time you go shopping for clothes because you never have to worry about the length of pants and can instead focus on the actual fit of the pants. The best part is it is not as hard as you might think.

Learning to hem opens up a whole new world of options for you when it comes to fashion. Here are the steps to hemming a pair of pants:

1. Remove existing hem: If there is an existing hem then you will want to remove the threads and then iron where the old hem was to remove the creases.
2. Mark the new hem: Try on the pants with a pair of shoes that you will likely be wearing with the pants and then use tailor’s chalk to mark where you will want the new hem to be. Do this evenly on each side and then pin the new hem in place.
3. Make hem creases: Once the new hem is pinned in place you will iron once again but this time to create a crease where the new hem will reside. After ironing, try on the pants again and be sure that you will be pleased with the fit because the next step requires cutting to take place and there is no turning back after that.
4. Trim the fat: Trim all the excess material away using scissors and stay as straight as possible to achieve an even cut. You will want to leave a hem allowance of about one to two inches for dress pants and one inch for a top stitched hem.
5. Define new creases: Now using a press cloth to avoid hurting the fabric, press the hem lines in good with your iron.
6. Sew the new hem: In this step you will want to try to mimic the original hem. If the fabric is really bulky you can use seem tape to help you with the material. Once you know where you will be sewing use a sewing machine or break out the thread and needle and go to town.
7. Press one more time: After sewing the hem into place give the hem one last pressing with the iron and you should be all set.

The entire process should take you about an hour but realize when you first set out to do this it may be just a bit longer than that. But once you get the process down you will never again have to put those cute pants back on the rack simply because they are too long. While there may be many reasons not to buy a pair of pants, the length being too long should never be one of them.

Black jeans

How to Look Fabulous in Black Jeans

Black jeans

From fashionistas to regular Joes, everyone is trying to look slim and trim these days. Forget months of exercise, crazy celebrity fad diets and mail-order food — wearing the right clothes is a simple and painless way to appear slimmer and put together in just a matter of minutes. Choosing the right pair of jeans can go a long way toward reaching that goal. When those jeans are black, you’re on your way to looking not just great, but amazing!

Since wearing black will automatically shave 10 pounds off your figure, finding a great pair of black jeans is a no-brainer. They are one of those wonderful wardrobe staples that can take you from frumpy to fabulous in five minutes flat. On the other hand, the wrong jean choice will draw attention to every body flaw you have (and maybe even some you don’t), leaving you contemplating a night at home in front of the TV instead of a night out on the town. So add a truly awesome pair of black jeans to your wardrobe today! Here a few tips for what to wear with black jeans and how to make the most of this classic style.
•    Experiment with different cuts and styles of black jeans to find the one that works best for your body type. Skinny jeans are very hot, but they have to fit properly to avoid creating a fashion faux pas. A pair of tailored, bootcut jeans can add instant length to a shorter frame. Cropped jeans are very versatile and fun, while wide-leg styles can also look stylish.
•    Pair black jeans with bright, vibrant tops in colors such as turquoise, coral, red and sapphire blue. The dark bottoms with act as a backdrop for the colors on top and really make them pop.
•    Tuck your skinny black jeans into tall black knee boots. Not only will the black be slimming, the extra height of the boots will lengthen your silhouette even more and make you appear incredibly glam. Wearing high heels will have a similar effect.
•    Wear a sundress, sweater dress or long tunic over skinny black jeans. They are the perfect alternative to tights.
•    Go all-black in black jeans, a fitted black sweater and black boots or shoes. To pull off this chic look, pay attention to the shades of black you choose. All blacks are not created equal, and a darker shade of black can make a lighter shade appear old and faded.
•    Make your look really pop by wearing shoes and colorful accessories with your black jeans. Try red pumps or flats, or a chunky fuschia necklace and bracelet combo.
•    Metallics always look glamorous when paired with black. Wear strappy metallic sandals (low or high heeled) with your black jeans, or try metallic flats. A metallic belt is also a fun option. Layer on your favorite gold and silver jewelry pieces to stand out from the crowd.
•    Avoid black jeans that are too low-cut. A bulge of flesh escaping from the top of your black jeans will do nothing for your sophisticated look.

Clothing colors

How To Find Your Best Clothing Colors

Clothing colors

Wearing colors that best suit you can make all the difference in your appearance. There are rare individuals that look good in every color, however for the most part, people have tones that suit them better than others. There are a variety of things that impact which colors look good on you. These factors range from your complexion to your hair color, to your body shape to your personality and more.

You will find that by wearing certain shades your complexion will look ruddier or washed out or simply not its best. You need to know if your complexion is fair, dark, olive or ruddy and which colors look best with it. A general rule of thumb is that clothing that is close in tone to your skin is unflattering. Your hair however can change what colors work for you. If you have fair skin and very light hair, you definitely need color in your wardrobe or you will look like a ghost. However, if you have fair skin and dark hair, light colors work fine.  Finding the right clothing colors to suit your coloring, including your complexion and hair color, is something everyone should spend time doing.

If you naturally gravitate towards dark colors, by all means go for it. Black and dark shades work well for most people. They tend to have a slimming effect, which pleases many individuals regardless of skin color. If you are heavyset, black and dark colors are a good choice for you. If your body shape is unbalanced, wear dark tones where you are bigger for the best result.  Just remember to try to balance dark clothes with a little color to avoid a Goth look. If you have a very pale, porcelain complexion, you may want to avoid too much black, especially near your face, as it will give you a vampire look.

Your personality also has a significant impact on the best clothing colors for you. If you enjoy being the center of attention, reds, yellows, bright shades, neons and metallics will be options for you. Work these into your wardrobe while keeping in mind guidelines for choosing color.

Another way to help determine your best clothing colors is to do a color analysis and decide which season you are. If you are a summer, you should wear blues, pinks, lavenders, winter white and unique shades like lemon and watermelon. If you are a winter, you should wear darks, bright colors, icy pale shades and pure white. If you are an autumn, you should wear earth tones and slightly muted bright colors. If you are a spring, you should wear reds, oranges, aqua, lighter shades of navy blue and ivory.

By finding out your best clothing colors, you will be ready to pull together a perfectly flattering outfit whenever you need it. A simple and quick way to do so is by standing in front of a mirror with T-shirts of different shades. Focus on your face and the changes reflected there as you hold one color after another up to your neck. Spend a little time on this trick and before you know it you’ll have found the best color choices for your clothes, as well as a few items to give away.

Side knots

How To Make Side Knots On Shirts

Side knots

If you want to change the look of your shirts by creating side knots, you will be pleased to learn that it is very easy to do so. You may already have button-down shirts and T-shirts in your wardrobe that are just perfect for side knots. If not, you will need to invest in a certain type of shirt. Be sure to choose shirts that are not form fitting. If there is no slack in the clothes you will have nothing to tie, therefore loose fitting shirts are necessary. In addition, choose shirts that are longer than you would usually wear for ease of tying.

If you are looking to make only one side knot on a shirt, it is a simple and quick process. Take the end of the hem at the seam on the side you want the knot and pull it away from the body. Wind the taut fabric around your hand. Pull the end of the fabric through the center of the loop and release the hand used to make the loop. Pull the end of the fabric to tighten the knot. This is a great way to shorten a shirt that is too long for you, create a more fitted look or just change the look of a shirt in your wardrobe. When you are tired of the side knot, just untie it and either iron the shirt or wash it and start over.

Alternatively, if you are want to have side knots on both sides of a shirt at the same time, the procedure will take a little longer and the changes you make to the shirt are more permanent. Many people refer to this as T-shirt surgery or strategic cutting. To create 2 knots, you will need extra fabric, therefore the best way to do this by cutting open the side seams on your shirt. When you cut the shirt, it provides two strips which you can tie together in the traditional fashion, in order to create a unique look perfect for summer. If you opt to go with the 2 side knots and cut the T-shirt seam, you can reinforce your work by simply serging the cut portion of the shirt, so that it doesn’t unravel.

A shirt with side knots is a great versatile look. It is easy to create and allows people to express their individual taste by customizing their clothing in a way that fits them. For anyone who wears uniforms or group shirts, side knots are a popular way to give them a new fresh look. This is an extremely popular way to deal with T-shirts that are given away as freebies or for promotions. Quite often such tees are one-size-fits-all. To improve how they fit and create a look that is more unique, many people turn to side knots.

Get out those extra shirts that you have that are just too big and customize them with side knots. It is a great casual look that can be worn lots of places, as long as you don’t tie the side knot mid-chest.

Fred Astaire

How to Dress Like Fred Astaire

Fred Astaire

It is hard to say the word dance and not think of Fred Astaire. His brilliant career spanned over seven decades and saw him performing on the stages of Broadway all the way to the Silver Screen. Even today, many years after his passing, there are countless Fed Astaire Dance Academies that teach people from all walks of life to be just a bit lighter on their feet.

When it came to style, Astaire had one all his own. He was never seen in a casual dress and usually sported a tuxedo or a classic suit. Some even joke that he probably slept in his tuxedo but the probable reason behind his always impressive dress is that he was a true gentleman and always wanting to look his best. To dress like Astaire, you too have to look your best:

•    The suit look: Wearing a suit was about as casual as Fred Astaire ever got. When you choose your suit make sure that it has a classic and comfortable fit. The undershirt should always be long sleeved and white. The pants should have a crease in the middle and should come down to the laces or top of your shoes. The jacket should also be a classic cut. If you go with a jacket that has fancy lapels you will be missing the look. Astaire always wore a classic cut regular looking jacket. As for the colors, stick with dark. Astaire had been known to occasionally wear a white suit but for the most part he was always wearing a darker color. This was accentuated by the black and white coloring of the movie screen in the days before color so if you wear a suit that is too bright, the effect will be lost.
•    The tuxedo look: Because he was such a revered actor Astaire was often seen at all of the gathering of the who’s who in Hollywood. Because of that fact Astaire was often in a tuxedo. Choose your tuxedo by going with the most classic look that the tux shop has to offer. Always go with black and make sure that the tux shirt is of course white. In classic form Astaire always finished off his tuxedo look with a small bow tie.
•    Shoes and ties: This is about the only spot on Astaire’s wardrobe that allows you to have any changeability. For shoes Astaire mostly wore classic black shoes with laces, but there were times that he did wear black and white saddle shoes with laces. Getting a pair of saddle shoes could help you to spruce up the look just a bit without straying too far from the formula. He also wore a variety of neck ties. Now this only applies to the suit look, but Astaire wore all sorts of neck ties and anything from a bow tie, to a polka dot tie to a solid color tie will do the trick. Be careful not to go too modern with the color and stay far away from pastels.

All that remains for you to complete the Fed Astaire look is to get a walking cane and a top hat if you so desire, put a spring in your step, and get really good at whistling while you walk.

Leather Jacket

How to Care for a Leather Jacket

Leather Jacket

Perhaps nothing looks better than a nice leather jacket. This versatile garment can be worn year round and goes with almost any pair of pants or jeans. The great thing about leather jackets is that everyone looks great in them. Leather jackets can also be expensive so it is important to take proper care of your leather jacket if you wish to enjoy it for an extended period of time.

Leather is a fickle material so special care must be taken to ensure your leather jacket is always at its best. Here are some easy but important ways to care for your leather jacket:

•    Apply a protectant: The first thing you should do when you purchase a leather jacket is protect it using a colorless, odorless aerosol spray that will help repel water and stains. There a number of different brands available and which one you use is really a personal preference, but you should never leave your leather jacket untreated. The protectant should be reapplied every six months to ensure that your leather jacket will always stay looking its best.
•    Keep it dry: Just as with oil, leather does not mix well with water. If your leather jacket does happen to get wet do not dry it in the dryer or with a blow dryer as this is a recipe for disaster. Simply towel dry the jacket as best you can and then hang your leather jacket up and allow the rest of the moisture to air dry. Try to avoid water all together if you can. If the weather looks sketchy, don’t risk it, leave the jacket at home or at the very least make sure you bring an umbrella.
•    Pad it up: When you hang up your jacket you should do so on a heavy duty padded hanger. This will keep the jacket from getting those nasty looking hanger marks and will also allow the jacket to naturally remain wrinkle free.
•    Condition: At least one time per year you should have you leather jacket conditioned. You can either do this yourself or take the jacket to a professional and have it done for you. Conditioning the leather on a regular basis will keep the leather softer and help to avoid cracking in the leather. If you do this yourself be sure to take special care and pay extra attention to the elbows of the jacket as these areas are bent more frequently and more susceptible to cracking if not properly treated.
•    Avoid plastic: If you plan on storing your leather jacket for any period of time avoid doing so in a plastic cover like the ones you get from a dry cleaner. These types of bags do not allow the jacket to breath and that spells trouble for the leather. Instead use a fabric garment bag that is breathable. This will protect your jacket and also allow the leather to get some much needed air.

With proper care and regular maintenance your leather jacket will look as good as the day you bought it for many years to come.

Superbowl

What to Wear to the Super Bowl

Superbowl

The Super Bowl is undeniably the most popular sporting event in the United States each year. It is certainly the most watched and has the highest advertising revenue of any televised sport. America is fascinated with football and every year in late January or early February, the whole country practically is glued to their television sets watching this exciting game to decide the top team of the season.

For most people the question of what to wear to the Super Bowl is more about what to wear to a Super Bowl party. The easy answer here is to try to get a feel for the type of party that is being held. If it is a cocktails and finger foods reception for charity while the Super Bowl plays in the background, you may need to dress up. However, for an everyday Super Bowl party, a casual look is sure to fit.

For a guy, jeans and a T-shirt are a safe bet. For women, the same outfit could work or you could opt for something a little dressier. Just remember to stay comfortable. Typical Super Bowl parties mean a lot of time curled up on the couch eating snack foods. Super Bowl Sunday is the second largest eating day in America, right behind Thanksgiving. Another fantastic choice of what to wear for a Super Bowl party is to wear a jersey or T-shirt that shows who you are supporting. This is especially true if you are a fan of one of the teams who made it to the big game.

If you are one of the lucky ones who actually gets to go to the real Super Bowl, then the question of what to wear to the Super Bowl takes on whole new meaning. First off ask yourself about the weather and temperature for the day. Be sure to dress for the weather and bring an extra shirt or jacket in case you get cold. Another thing to keep in mind is to dress comfortably, including your footwear. Attending the actual Super Bowl spans a much longer period of time than you see on television and you will likely need to walk quite a bit to get to your seats.

In addition you will of course want to wear clothing in support of the team you favor, if indeed you are rooting for one or the other. If you happen to be in premium seating or luxury boxes, you will also need to dress accordingly. Don’t go overboard, but dress chic with comfort and fun in mind.

No matter where you are watching it you can get a great custom-made T-shirt for the Super Bowl. It can be the shirt you wear for every future Super Bowl too. You can have fun party favors made up for a Super Bowl party by creating matching T-shirts for your guests. Choose a color and select what you want printed on your custom shirt and in no time you’ll have exactly what you need. Just remember that you can’t use the actual words Super Bowl because it will infringe on NFL trademarks. So use your imagination to find clever ways to print something recognizable on your shirt for the Big Game.  Get your custom tshirt today for the Superbowl to be ready for the game.

Baptism

What to Wear to a Baptism

Baptism

A baptism is a Christian ritual that is performed with water by which one is admitted membership into the Christian Church and is said by some to have their soul protected from evil. A baptism is a very important day for all of those that are a part of it and just the fact that you get invited to attend this special day should be met with a feeling of gratuity. So what should you wear when attending a baptism?

What you will wear when attending a baptism will all depend on the role in which you play in that baptism. Here is how it breaks down:

•    Parents: Your child only gets baptized once and you will want to dress for the occasion. Dress to the nines but don’t go all out and rent a tux. A nice suit and tie will do the trick for the dads and the moms can wear an elegant dress that is a bright and cheery color.
•    God Parents: One of the greatest honors there are is to have the parents of the child being baptized to ask you to be a God Parent of the child. This honor is usually reserved for the closest friends of the parents or may even be a sibling or another relative. A God Parent will stand with the child and the parents at the baptism and will swear to take care of the child should anything happen to the parents. Because of this honor it is important that you dress your best on the day of the baptism. You will be in photos and the day will long be remembered so you will want to ensure that you look your best. Guys should therefore wear a suit with a neck tie and women should wear a nice day dress.
•    Attending friend: If you are a friend of the family that has been invited to attend you will want to dress up but not as much as the God Parents do. For guys a pair of nice dress slacks will fit the bill topped with a nice button down shirt. It is not necessary to wear a neck tie in this case. For women you can go with a nice pair of dress pants and a chic dress blouse that is not too casual. Never show a lot of skin as that will come off as tacky.

You need to remember that the baptism will take place in a church and that you will want to dress accordingly. Just think how you would show up for a Sunday service. Would you show up in your shorts and a tank top? Of course not, well a baptism should be no different. After all, there is a reason it is called your ‘Sunday best.’

Remember it is an extreme honor just to be invited to the baptism of another person. Take that initiation to heart and be sure that you are dressed appropriately so that you will help to honor the joyful day properly.

Ballet

What to Wear to Ballet

Ballet

When you are trying to figure out what to wear to ballet it really comes down to are you going to be a participant in the performance or a spectator of it? Ballet at any level is a wonderful display of art that almost anyone can enjoy but there is a certain dress code when attending a ballet for both participants and spectators alike.

Ballet for the most part is a semi-formal event and attending one means that you will have to break out your best clothes especially if you are planning on attending on opening night. Here is how you can look your absolute best when attending a ballet:

•    Participants: When ballet dancers are practicing they will generally wear a black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes, and have their hair pulled back. Male dancers will wear thick tights, a tank top, and black ballet shoes. But when the actual performance rolls around these warm up outfits are tossed to the side and make way for a variety of different colors and styles which will all depend on the theme of the ballet.
•    Women spectators: Women can look their best in a nice dress that is one solid color. Really any color goes, but you want to be sure that the length of the dress is not too short. Go with a dress that is no shorter than just above the knees and compliment the dress with a matching pair of heels. Accessorize elegantly but lightly and wear jewelry that will compliment your outfit such as a simple string of pearls. Do your hair however you feel comfortable but remember you definitely want to dress to impress.
•    Men spectators: Guys need to at least go in a suit and tie especially for the all important opening night. If you are attending a very fancy ballet then you may even want to go with a traditional tuxedo or other type of black tie attire. Your shoes should of course be dressy as well and like the ladies you should be going for the knockout with your outfit.
•    Children spectators: Kids should be dressed up but you do not have to go crazy with renting your little guy a tux. When dressing your kids for a ballet, think of how you would dress them to go to church and you will have a good indication of what they should be dressed like to attend the ballet. Just be sure that you don’t have them going in shorts, shirts, and hats.

There is an exception to these dress codes. If you are attending a child’s performance you may want to ask the ballet teacher first how formal or casual the event is going to be. You certainly don’t want to show up in a tux when everyone else has on jeans and t-shirts and vice-versa.

Whether you are participating in the ballet or you are going to the ballet to be entertained you will enjoy yourself the most when you dress the part.