Category Archives: Fashion Advice

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

What to Wear with Pearls

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There was a time in history when wearing a string of pearls meant that you were on the more affluent side of the tracks. Back in the twentieth century it was only older, well established women that were seem wearing pearls. Basically back then if you were not born into money, then pearls were something that had to be earned at a later point in woman’s life. Now with the advent of many different priced pearls, this is no longer the case, but many people still associate pearls with the’ rich and stuffy’ class and don’t give them a second thought when it comes to fashion. But pearls can make for a modern look if they are properly paired with some of today’s fun fashions.

Many feel that you can only wear your peals in a formal situation. While this is indeed true, that doesn’t mean that you can’t get a little risky and wear your pearls to a more casual setting. It is all in how you wear your pearls. Here are some ways that you too can dress up or down in your pearls:

•   Formal: Pearls are synonymous for going with black-tie affair fashion. When you break out that little black dress there is no other accessory that will make it look better that a nice string of pearls. But instead of over dressing yourself in other jewelry, try wearing just pearls. A great pairing with formal wear is a pearl necklace, simple pearl earrings, and a pearl ring. This will give you a different look form the gold that usually litters the little black dresses at formal events.
•   Casual: Just as you can wear your pearls with formal wear, you can also wear them with casual wear. A nice pair of jeans and a casual blouse will actually be just fine to wear your pearls with. To detract from the fact that you are wearing pearls and to bring the tone of the pearls down just a bit, try layering several pearl necklaces with other more conventional necklaces such as different bead necklaces or gold necklaces. Go with different styles and lengths for an ultra chic look, just be sure that you don’t go too heavy on the bling or you may be mistaken for a rapper.
•   Mix up the colors: Pearls are generally associated with black only but the fact is that pearls can go with a number of different colors. While you will want to avoid pastels and fluorescent colors as the pearls will get lost in them, there is nothing wrong with many other colors in the color spectrum. Colors such as violet, sunshine yellow, and canary red really bring life to a nice string of pearls. Have fun here and mix and match to come up with different combinations that will look great on you.

Every woman should have pearls. Pearls offer a wider variety of fashion choices then you might think and when paired with the proper fashion, you can look great in pearls no matter how fancy or laid back you want to be.

What to Wear on Vacation in Cancun

Cancun, Mexico was once a nothing more than a tiny little town that offered nothing out of the ordinary. Now Cancun is world famous and is the place to go when vacationing if you are into a wild nightlife, a balmy climate, water sports galore, and oh yeah the beach. A trip to Cancun can be a once in a lifetime experience that you won’t soon forget, so what should you wear when you vacation in Cancun?

Cancun is the ultimate place for rest and relaxation, but it is also a place to party your tail off. If you are planning a trip to this Mexican paradise, here is what you should wear:

•   Bathing Suit: Cancun is actually an island and is only a mere 16 miles long so if you think you can go there and avoid the beach, think again. That being known you better pack your bathing suits as you will be spending a great deal of time in them. For guys a really cool pair of board shorts will keep you comfortable and have you looking cool and for the ladies, go for it with a sexy bikini that compliments your figure.
•   Shorts and t-shirts: Cancun is hot, hot, hot! Even when you are not on the beach you will want to be wearing as little as possible. This is where a nice pair of cargo shorts and a regular old t-shirt will do the trick. Women can go a little classier than the guys and wear a nice pair of capris that will look great and still keep you cool.
•   Comfy shoes: You are going to be on vacation after all. Again, if you are not at the beach then chances are you will be walking around and visiting one of the many shops and stores that Cancun has to offer. Make sure you pack a cozy pair of sneakers for your trip and don’t leave behind your flip flops because you will need those too.
•   Night wear: For those nights out at the clubs you will want to get just a bit dressier, but not much. A pair of nice jeans and a cool button down shirt will fit the bill for the guys. Feel free to leave that shirt un-tucked and make sure that your shoes are easy to move in when you hit the dance floor. Women can get away with jeans and a sassy t-shirt or can even go for ultra comfort with a cute skirt or dress. Same rule applies for your shoes ladies.
•   Sun block: Probably the most important thing you will put on while in Cancun is your sun block. Bring an SPF that is greater than you would normally use and don’t be shy about re-applying. Failure to always have a good coat of sun block on will have you coming back looking like a lobster and feeling like a walking blister. Of course, you don’t have to wear any sun block at night if you don’t want to.

As important as all those things are to make sure to pack, it is equally as important to leave behind your cares and troubles; you won’t need them in Cancun.

Guide to Wearing a Scottish Kilt

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Anyone who has seen the movie Braveheart or Rob Roy knows exactly what a kilt is. It is the knee length garment that all the men wear that looks like a skirt, for the lack of a better term. Scottish kilts are more often than not made of a woolen material and are in a tartan pattern. Kilts were traditionally only worn during formal times or at the highland games, but in recent years they are becoming ever popular with a whole host of men. Now more than ever kilts can be seen being worn at many different events both formal and informal. So how exactly do you wear a Scottish kilt and what goes with it to complete the look?

To start with you will need more than just the kilt. Along with the garment you will need kilt pins, a belt, and a type of pouch known as a sporran. Here is how to properly put on a Scottish kilt:

1.   Position the kilt: Hold the kilt around your waste making sure to position the pleats in the back.
2.   Begin the wrap: Warp the kilt and attach the right apron to the left buckle. You will want a snug fit here, but don’t go too tight. Repeat the process on the opposite side attaching the left apron to the right buckle.
3.   Pin it: Making sure that the kilt is sitting on your waste just above your belly button, fasten the kilt with your kilt pins.
4.   Belt and Sporran: After you put on the belt you can position the sporran by letting it hang just a few inches off of the belt’s buckle. Some like to let the sporran hang to the left, some prefer the right, and others prefer the center. This is a personal call and doesn’t matter either way.

Finishing the look

No Scottish kilt would be complete without adding a few accessories such as:

•   Jacket: Also known as a waistcoat, this looks perfect with the kilt, especially in a formal setting.
•   Socks: To pull off the Scottish kilt look you need to get white woolen socks that can be pulled up just above the knee and then should be turned down. Some refer to these socks as hose and they can even be worn with garter flashes if you so desire.
•   Ghillie Brogues: These are the traditional shoes worn with a kilt. These types of shoes have no tongue and the laces run along the instep of the foot.
•   A Sgian Dubh: This is a Gaelic term meaning ‘black knife’ and that is exactly what a sgian dubh is. The sheathed black knife is traditionally worn on the top of the right hose. Just be sure you won’t get in trouble if you choose to wear this accessory.

Lastly the question on everyone’s mind, underwear or no underwear? Traditionally a Scottish kilt is worn with no underwear. This however should be a personal preference and if you would feel more comfortable wearing underwear under your kilt then do so. Hopefully no one will be the wiser.

How to Dress Like Shailene Woodley

Shailene Woodley is a young actress who is best known for her role in the hit show the OC and later for her role on the show The Secret Life of the American Teenager. At just 17 years old it is no surprise that she dresses like a typical teenager at times, but what may surprise you is that she can dress up and look as good as actresses that have been in the game for a long time when she attends a red carpet event.

Woodley has an all-natural beauty to her and her slender figure allows for her to look great in almost anything she puts on. Here are some ways that you too can look like Shailene Woodley:

•   The teen look: Woodley can look as typical as any other teen on any given day. When in this mode she still will actually dress on the nicer side. You can accomplish this by doing as Woodley does and finding a nicer pair of dress pants to wear. She tops this off with a typical t-shirt but then may top that off with a very sophisticated turtleneck sweater. Get some classy looking flats for your footwear and you will have the classic Woodley teen look down. Of course she still wears the occasional jeans and t-shirt combination and because she is so slender, she does wear skinny jeans. But if you can pull off skinny jeans too, then you actually have two teen looks that you can go for.
•   Formal look: Woodley can match the best of them when she hits the red carpet. She likes to wear sleeveless dresses that come all the way down to her ankles and she usually wears a lighter color such as white or cream. Be sure that you go with a dress made of a nice lightweight material and have it be form fitting, but not too tight. Finish off this look with a nice pair of open-toe heels that are not too high and accessorize with a nice conservative bracelet, a few necklaces that hang, and pair of earrings that hang.
•   Jackets: A lot of the outfits that Woodley wears in her teen look will be accompanied by a jacket. She likes darker colored jackets and has even been spotted in a jean jacket or two. You may want to save the jackets for a cooler day and you certainly don’t want to wear them if you are wearing a sweater, but the option is there if you so desire.
•   Hair and make-up: Both hair and make-up are on the lighter side with Woodley. To mimic her hair due simply part your hair in the middle and wear it down. Spend some time styling it, but not a lot. When applying your make-up you have to go for the all-natural look that Woodley pulls off with ease. About the craziest she will get with her make-up is a darker shade of pink for her lip stick.

All that will remain for you is to learn how to flash a winning smile wherever you go and you will then look exactly like Shailene Woodley.

Sexy Alternatives to Showing Your Bare Legs

Sometimes nothing is sexier than throwing on a cute skirt and showing your bare legs off. However, there are many women who just don’t feel comfortable showing their bare legs because of the paleness of their skin, or blemishes, or tattoos, you name it. If you are one of these women there are a number of alternatives you can go with that are just as sexy to showing off your bare legs.

Here are several alternatives to simply going bare with your legs that still look great:

•   Boots: Wearing a pair of knee high or even thigh high boots can cover up most of your legs and still look ultra sexy. If you still feel that there is too much flesh showing you can always wear some hosiery underneath to keep the illusion of some skin being shown, but keeping everything covered for your comfort.
•   Sheer panty hose: These days they make panty hose in so many different colors and styles that your head will simply spin trying to pick out what you want. This is great news for those that want to show off their legs, but feel that they are too pale or have slight blemishes that they don’t necessarily want to show off. While you may not want to go with a dark color of panty hose, there are many color level of sheer panty hose that will make your skin tone look great and even cover up slight blemishes. This is a wonderful alternative that sill allows you to show off your stuff, just not the stuff that you don’t want to show off.
•   Dresses: If you still want to be casual without showing off your bare legs try going a little longer in material and wear a dress as opposed to a skirt. This will give you the coverage you want and in today’s fashion world there are just as many hot looking dresses as there are skirts.
•   Leggings: Don’t laugh; they are making a comeback in the fashion world. Today you can see a great number of women wearing these under tunics and even shorts. They offer great coverage like panty hose but don’t rip as easily and come in a wide variety of colors and designs. One word of warning though, they do tend to be much thicker than panty hose and as a result, much hotter.
•   Form fitting jeans: A nice pair of form fitting jeans is a wonderful alternative if you don’t want to show off any part of your skin. Form fitting jeans will still compliment your legs and show them off somewhat, but they will do so without showing off any flesh in the process. Avoid loose fit jeans here as this will deter you from your goal of showing the world that you have nice legs.

You don’t have to go bare to be beautiful these days. The fashion world in which we live has giving you many alternatives to simply going with bare legs, so take advantage of one of them and get out there and look great.

How to Dress Like Carly Shay from iCarly

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One of the most popular shows that are still running on Nickelodeon is the show about a girl who has her own web show called iCarly. To no surprise that girls name is Carly and along with her two best friends Samantha and Freddie the three produce their own popular web show. The three always seem to have something fun and exciting going on both on and off the show. The character of Carly Shaw has taken America by storm and there are now many mid-teen girls that want to dress like this fictional character.

On the show Carly dresses in much the same way as you would expect any teenager to dress and is changing her outfits often. Here are some of iCarly’s looks that you too can accomplish with much ease:

•   Casual look: Carly likes to go for jeans and a t-shirt in this type of dressed down style. She will usually dress this way on the show when the three teens are just hanging out and the environment is more casual. To get this look, go for a pair of form fitting, but not tight, blue jeans and really any cute t-shirt that you like. Carly will often wear a light sweat jacket over her shirt and it usually has a hood. For footwear you can go with a nice pair of dress flats or you can even go with white sneakers if you are more comfortable doing so. Accessorize with a simple watch and conservative earrings and you got the casual look pinned down.
•   Web show look: Here Carly tends to get a little more on the dressy side. She will shed the sweat jacket for a more fancy style jacket and will usually change the shirt as well. Go for a nice long sleeved shirt or even a half sleeved button down. Carly usually goes with brighter colors when doing iCarly like reds and oranges. She only wears the dress flats on the show and she really doesn’t add anything in the way of extra accessories when on the web show.
•   Dresses: When the television show takes the three friends outside of the home, Carly often sports a wide variety of fun sundresses. She again sticks with brighter and more cheery colors and can either be spotted wearing those same dress flats or a nice pair of pumps with a very short heel. Because the show is a kid’s show, the dresses are never too short and typically come down to about her calves.
•   Hair and make-up: When doing your hair, do it typical Carly fashion and part it on one side and then simply wear it down. Carly will also sometimes add a little curl to her hair so feel free to break out the curling iron and give your hair some loose curls if you want to. When applying your make-up try to stay on the natural looking side and don’t go with dark colors. Carly likes to use pinks when it comes to her lips, but never anything that is too attention grabbing.

Once you have pegged the iCarly look, go out and recruit some friends and maybe you too can make your own web show.

What to Wear Ice Skating

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Ice skating is a wonderful winter sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. When you are ice skating you need to remember that you will be on ice and that means that you will be cold if not dressed properly. If you go ice skating and you are not dressed the right way you won’t have much fun because you will be shivering in your skates the entire time.

Here is how you should dress when going ice skating:

•   Skates: Ok this one is obvious. You can’t ice skate without sakes. The type of skates you will need will depend on the type of skating you are going to be doing. If you are only planning on casual skating then you can probably just rent the skates from the rink. If however you get into figure skating or hockey, then those types of skates are different all together. Whatever type of skates you do wear, be sure that you wear socks when you ice skate. A good thick wool pair usually does the trick and helps to keep your feet nice and warm and also very well padded, which in turn keeps the blisters away.
•   Pants: When ice skating a big mistake in the pants department are jeans. If you fall on the ice, and you probably will a time or two, then the denim in your jeans will actually absorb the moisture from the ice and that is going to leave you rather chilled. Instead you can get special ice skating pants that are made of a specific material that is designed to repel any moisture away from your skin and thus keep you warm. If you still want to go with the jeans looks, then wear them over top of the ice skating pants.
•   Tops: Here you will want to layer. Go to the rink with a t-shirt first, a long sleeved shirt over that, a sweater over that, and finally a lightweight jacket. When you first get onto the ice you will no doubt be fairly chilly. But as you skate around and your body gets heated up you may want to start shedding some of your clothing. By layering you will be sure that you always have the right amount of clothing up top to help keep you warm.
•   Hats: This is totally optional but if you tend to get cold ears quickly you may want to wear a wool cap. This will allow you to skate around freely without having to worry about your ears freezing off.
•   Gloves or mittens: To keep your hands warm it is a good idea to wear gloves or mittens. Nothing will spoil a day of ice skating faster than frost bitten hands.
•   Accessories: A nice accessory that can easily be added or removed to help keep you warm or cool is a trusty scarf. You may also want to wear some clear glasses as this will help shield your eyes from the cold wind and keep them from getting dried out.

Ice skating is a fantastic time but that fun can be cut drastically short if you are not dressed warm enough.

How to Dress Like Carrie Bradshaw

The HBO series and then later big screen movie of Sex and the City gave a whole generation of women a new way to look at life. One of the most popular characters on the show is Carrie Bradshaw who is played by Sarah Jessica Parker. On the show Bradshaw is a self confessed shopping junkie. She has been heard on the show saying that she has bought issues of Vogue magazine instead of food and loves shoes. Her fun style of mixing today’s fashions with vintage fashions of yesteryear makes her style a desirable one to copy.

Here are some of the ways you can emulate this popular television character:

•   Dresses: When wearing dresses you should go for the type that are strapless and look like they may have come out of the seventies. Bradshaw is frequently seen in these types of dresses on the show and will frequently accentuate her dresses with a light jacket or sweater. One of her funkier looks on the show saw her wearing a longer trench coat and multicolored leggings to go with one of her typical short dresses. So really you can go wild here, just try your best to mix some of yesterday’s fashion with some of today’s.
•   Pants: Though not too often, there are times that Bradshaw is on the show wearing a pair of pants. These pants are khaki style pants and are typically form fitting. Be sure not to go too tight as Bradshaw never reveals too much, at least not on her lower half.
•   Shirts: When wearing pants, Bradshaw will top them off with a nice vintage style white button down shirt that usually has some sort of frilly design. This can be accessorized in a number of different ways according to how your mood for that day is.
•   Shoes: Once again, Bradshaw is a self-proclaimed shopping addict and has said on the show that she has bought over $40,000 in shoes in her lifetime. The types of shoes that she wears on the show are indeed some of the most expensive on the market and can range in price from $350 to $500 per pair. But the point here is that you can wear what you want when it comes to shoes. Again you can have fun mixing and matching according to your mood and you do not have to feel like you have to spend an arm and a leg on your shoes.
•   Accessories: Bradshaw approaches her accessorizing much the same way she does every other aspect of her dress; by having fun. Sometimes she will be seen wearing a scarf and other times a hat will fit the bill. As for jeweler she is on the show going all out at times and being very conservative at others.
•   Hair and Make-up: Bradshaw gives ample attention in both areas and to totally emulate her look, you should too. Her hair is wavy and you can emulate this with a curling iron. Her make-up is put on rather heavily but she never goes with bright or dark colors.

Again, have fun mixing and matching fashion from different eras and when you feel that you are all set, hit the city for a night out with the girls.

What to Wear to a Luau

When you are getting ready to attend a luau the easiest thing to do is figure out what to wear. A luau is definitely the ultimate in casual where you are not only accepted if you wear a grass skirt, you are pretty much expected to do so.

Luaus are great fun and the fun you have can be enhanced by dressing the part. Of course how you dress will depend on what gender you are so here are some ways for everyone to tackle the luau look:

•   Men: Leave the suit and tie at home fellas because a luau calls for neither. A great outfit for a guy to wear to a luau starts with a comfortable pair of shorts. Any color you like fits the bill but the more colorful the better. If it is too chilly for shorts you can also wear a white pair of all cotton pants. For shirts you will definitely want to go with a Hawaiian shirt that has a wild pattern and very loud colors. It is also acceptable for the guys to go with no shirts at all so if you are brave enough to do so then go for it. You will want to get a handful of different color leis to go around your neck and you can also put a Hibiscus flower behind one ear to complete the look. When it comes to footwear go for ultra comfort and grab a pair of flip-flops.
•   Women: The ladies have a couple of different options when dressing for a luau. If you want the look of a traditional hula dancer then go for a grass skirt being worn over regular bikini bottoms and go with a coconut bra up top. Too revealing? You can also go for a long Hawaiian dress and just like with the guys, go for wild prints with loud colors. You too can wear a Hibiscus flower behind the ear, but beware because the ear you wear it behind tells of your marital status. If you wear the flower behind your left ear you are telling everyone that you are taken and if you wear it behind the right ear it means you are single. Flip-flops compliment either look and will keep you comfortable all night long. A floral anklet and lots of different colored leis completes the look.
•   Kids: Kids love the fun of a luau too. To dress them appropriately have the boys wear a matching outfit to dad with the same kind or shorts and shirt and the girls can either match mom or get any number of cute floral dresses that are available at almost any department store. The kids, like the adults, will need plenty of leis and flip-flops as well.

The biggest thing with attending a luau is to be sure that you wear what you will comfortable in and that you also wear a smile. If you are not having fun at a luau then there is definitely something wrong.

How to Dress Like Camilla Belle

Camilla Belle is a young actress that is seeing her acting career take off and has recently had a boost with a role in the movie 10,000 B.C. and Lost World: Jurassic Park. Off the scene, Belle is one of the most elegant and graceful dressers in Hollywood today. Her pretty looks combined with her stunning fashion has many women today wanting to dress like her.

You too can dress like Belle if you have the time and patience to dedicate to this look. Here are some tricks and tips to help you accomplish this timeless look:

•   Casual skirts and dresses: When out and about or even in an interview, Belle looks both stunning and casual at the same time. The dresses she wears tend to be on the shorter side and made of a lighter material. She likes to stay on the darker side of the color spectrum with colors such as greens, blues, and even black as her favorite. When choosing your color of dress, go with what best matches your skin complexion. Skirts should be on the short side as well and keep the same color theme in mind.
•   Formal wear: If you plan on looking like Belle for a formal outing then you need to plan on going big. Belle always wears long and flowing gowns on the red carpet and these gowns are usually made of a silky and shear material. When going formal Belle changes position on her color scheme and likes to go with the lighter colors that are cooler in nature. Light blue is a favorite of hers and she wears it very well.
•   Shoes: Pumps and high heels are in tall order here. When going formal go for the heels but be sure that the height is not too much. When going casual in dresses and skirts then a nice pump will certainly do the trick. Colors should be matched with what you are wearing.
•   Accessories: Belle likes to be on the flashy side when it comes to her accessories. She often wears bigger earrings and is more times than not seen wearing a gold necklace. Bracelets are not out of the question either and if you want to wear them feel free to do so.
•   Hair and make-up: Belle stays on the lighter side of make-up but tends to really use a lot of blush to accentuate her cheek bones and also uses a lot of eye shadow so you should attempt to do the same. When going formal go for a brighter red lip stick as opposed to the more flesh tone color that you will want to use when just dressing casual. Simple is the word for hair and Belle is often seen with her hair put either up or down. Her hair is long and straight so to emulate it perfectly, you can use a hair flattening iron to achieve the look.

Again, dressing like Belle requires a little more time and patience then just dressing like many of the more laid back Hollywood starlets of today. If you can pull it off though you will get looks throughout the day as Belle’s style is one that is truly stunning.

What to Wear in Thailand

When planning your trip to Thailand you will want to know what to pack. There are no hard and fast rules in Thailand when it comes to fashion and the clothes that you will wear will greatly be impacted by the time of year you go and what you plan on doing while in Thailand.

These tips will help you be better prepared for your Thailand visit:

•   Watch the weather: During the rainy season you will want to have plenty of lightweight cotton garments with you. These will dry faster and will tend to fight off the extra humidity that comes with the rainy weather. You can also wear sandals instead of shoes as they will not get as waterlogged as shoes tend to. Just be aware that if you do, sandals are not the proper attire for some venues such as in a temple.
•   Temples and palaces: These are places of great importance to the people of Thailand and you should do your best to respect that. Most temples and palaces will ban tank tops and shorts especially on women but you should just avoid the entire conflict and dress up a bit when visiting such places.
•   T-Shirts: It seems that a lot of tourists like to wear t-shirts while in Thailand and this is totally acceptable. However, for an adult Thai it is not acceptable so if you are attempting to dress more like the culture you are visiting then you will want to opt for a more traditional pull-over shirt that sports a collar. This will have you leaving a much better impression on the locals.
•   Shorts and pants: This all dependent on what you are doing. If you are going to visit a temple then you will want to opt for pants. If however you are going to go side walk shopping at any one of the numerous boutique shops that Thailand has to offer than you can certainly get away with a nice pair of shorts.
•   Pack plenty: While Thailand tends to be hot and really hot you will want to bring plenty of clothing. The reason is simple; you will sweat like crazy in Thailand. Thailand has a very high humidity, especially in the rainy months, and you should plan on taking at least three showers a day while there. Because of all the sweating you will be doing you will want to have plenty of clothes with you so that you can always be assured a clean change of clothes is at hand.
•   Dinner wear: Short sleeved shirts are acceptable in most dinning situations but again to be more authentic to the culture you should wear the pull over type with a collar.
•   Night time: Thailand is filled with many different hot spots for those of you that like to get out and party. While the nightlife in Thailand can be hot, the night time weather tends to be a bit cool. Be sure that you have on a nice pair of pants and a lightweight jacket so that you will be nice and warm while out and about.

Of course you can always pack with extra room in your suitcase and a little extra money in your pocket. This will allow you to pick up some local fashion while there and bring them back with you with no problem.

What to Wear on Vacation in the Bahamas

The Bahamas are the place to go if you are looking for great beaches, great nightlife, and a lot of rest and relaxation. A big mistake that many people make when visiting the Bahamas is that they tend to over pack. The Bahamas is a much laid back place to visit and when planning your trip there you should follow one simple rule; less is more.

Here is all that you will need for your trip to the Bahamas:

•   Shorts: The Bahamas are hot so bring a few pairs of shorts. Guys can always look great in cargos and gals can get away with short shorts if they can pull them off. If not, then go with a nice pair of carpris pants that will keep you feeling good and looking good as well.
•   Bathing suits: The number one reason that people visit the Bahamas is the beach. Bring your suit and be ready to get wet. Guys typically look great in a cool pair of board shorts and women can go about as bare as they dare. Be warned though, there are some nude or clothing optional beaches in the Bahamas so be sure you go to the beach you want.
•   Walk around wear: As tempting as it may be to wear your beach wear into the towns and local churches, don’t so it. Some nice casual slacks made of cotton topped off with a nice button down shirt for guys and a fun skirt or dress for the ladies will do the trick every time.
•   Night wear: The Bahamas tend to be cooler at night so make sure you pack a light sweater or jacket. Some resort restaurants will require guys to wear a jacket and tie before entering so check with the place you are staying at beforehand to see if you need to pack these items.
•   Shoes: You’ll definitely need your flip flops and a good pair of walking shoes as well. You’re flip flops will come in handy at the beach and you will want a nice pair of walking shoes for all the window shopping you are bound to do as the Bahamas seem to have an endless array of shops and stores. Don’t forget a nice pair of shoes to wear when you go out at night.
•   Sun block and bug repellent: Bring a good bottle of sun block and bug repellant with you as you will need both. For the sun block go with an SPF that is 30 to 45 as the Bahamas has plenty of sun to offer and anything less could result in a burn. Reapply all the time and don’t be shy on the amount. You will use your bug repellant at night and thank yourself for bringing it as some of the bugs in the Bahamas resemble a B-52 bomber coming after you; well not that bad, but you get the point. If you happen to run out of either, don’t worry, the Bahamas carry most major brands of both products.

Remember, when it comes to the Bahamas, pack to relax and go with no worries or cares.

What to Wear with Polo Shirts

For both men and women there is probably no other article of clothing that can be worn with greater ease than the polo shirt. These short sleeved collared shirts give style, sophistication, and comfort all at the same time. When considering what to wear with your polo shirt, just look in your closet and drawers because chances are you already have a number of different options just waiting to be discovered.

Polo shirts can be worn on a casual and a semi-formal basis and have you looking good for either occasion. Here are some ways that you can dress up your polo shirts:

•   Jeans: No matter what kind of jeans you like, a polo shirt will compliment them. If you are going for a more casual look then you will want to leave you polo shirt untucked and you can even wear a pair of flip-flops to really state your casualness. If however you want to be a bit on the dressier side then tuck in your polo shirt, wear a belt, and wear a nice casual pair of shoes but not sneakers.
•   Khakis: Khaki pants and a tucked in polo shirt are the perfect combination for your office’s casual Friday. The fact that the polo shirt is collared still lends to the fact that it is somewhat formal, but at the same time it is short sleeved and therefore casual. It is a true win, win. Finish off the look with your regular dress shoes and you will be set for a casual day at the office or anywhere else you decide to go.
•   Shorts: Guys can be seen all over these days wearing cargo shorts and an untucked polo shirt. This look is usually finished off with a pair of flip-flops or sandals and because it is such a big casual statement it is the perfect opportunity to wear a baseball cap as well. The only time that you will want to tuck in your polo shirt with shorts on is if you are at the golf course, in which case you will be wearing a fancier golf style pair of shorts.
•   Miniskirts and short shorts: Not to be outdone by the guys, the ladies will often pair their own version of ultimate casual and wear a denim miniskirt with a polo shirt. You can choose to tuck in the polo shirt or leave it untucked; it’s really up to you. For footwear go for anything from flip-flops to flats, or even a nice pair of high heels. Have even more fun with this look by adding a pair of leggings into the mix. If miniskirts are not your style you can accomplish the same laid back fashion with a cute pair of short shorts. Again tucked or untucked is totally up to you.

Polo shirts are great and chances are that you have one or two right now hanging in your closet. By mixing and matching them with other garment you already own, you can go out and about in complete comfort and style.

What to Wear Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing can be a great way to exercise and get some fresh air but it can also be dangerous. In order to be prepared for the danger you have to dress appropriately for the occasion. Remember that anytime you are dealing with the outside cold elements there will be a chance of hypothermia and other cold related dangers. When dressing for snowshoeing you need to go for comfort and warmth while you maintain your dryness. By doing so you will cut down on all the cold related dangers that can occur.

Here is the proper way to dress when you want to enjoy a day of snowshoeing:

•   Feet: Starting with the feet first you will want to wear a breathable pair of socks as a first layer to help wick away any moisture you get when sweating. You can then put on wool socks over those and that will give you maximum warmth. Your boots should be weatherproof so that the snow doesn’t penetrate to your feet as that could cause frost bite.
•   Legs: Fleece pants do the trick here every time. They are a great garment to keep you warm and will also help you ward off moisture. At the bottom of your pants you will wear what is known as gaiters which will cover your pants at the bottom and also cover the top of your boots. These gaiters are water proof and keep any snow from creeping in the top of your boots or up your pants.
•   Upper body: Begin with a breathable cotton shirt and then top that off with a fleece or wool pull over sweater. Then you will want to wear a weather proof jacket that will keep you as warm as can be and as dry as can be too. Because snowshoeing is an aerobic sport you will sweat a lot and at times you may want to remove the jacket. Just be sure that you stay as dry as possible when you do so.
•   Hands: A good thick pair of weatherproof mittens is in tall order for snowshoeing. Your hands will be exposed to cold and wetness from snow so it is vital that you keep them dry and warm so that you avoid frost bite.
•   Head: A nice wool cap will keep the heat trapped on top of our head and thus help to keep your entire body warm.
•   Fanny pack: These sure are funny looking but they can hold a good deal of food which can come in handy when you find yourself tired and in need of a quick pick me up.
•   Water bottle: Even though it is cold out you will still be sweating a good deal and it will be important for you to stay hydrated. Carrying a water bottle with you will allow you to take frequent drinks and will ensure that you stay hydrated which will help prevent you from getting cramps.

While any activity in the cold comes with risk, if dressed for properly, you will enjoy the activity and stay safe as well. By dressing to stay both warm and dry you will ensure that your day of snowshoeing will go off without a hitch.

What to Wear with Chinos

Chinos are a type of lightweight trouser that is made from chino cloth in a weave known as twill. Though they are khaki in color most of the time they are in fact a different kind of pants than khakis. They are considered to be a smart casual style of pants and thus can be worn on a more formal basis as opposed to khaki pants, but they can also be worn in a semi-casual manner as well. So what should you wear with your chinos?

Of course what you will wear with your chinos will depend on the occasion and also your gender. Here are some things that both men and women can wear in order to compliment their chinos to the fullest extent:

WOMEN

• Business casual: A lot of women like to wear their chinos in a business casual way. All across American ‘Casual Friday’ is very popular with smaller businesses. While some will opt for jeans and a nice shirt, a lot are also going with chinos and a nice shirt. If your chinos are a khaki color then you can pair it with a white short sleeved collared shirt and tie in the entire outfit with a brown belt and a pair of brown loafer-style flats. This look will have you making a casual statement but without the stereotypical pair of jeans.
• Out and about look: More and more women are being seen wearing a pair of chinos while just going out for a somewhat fancier night on the town. You can get a white pair of chinos for you night out and get any number of fun colored and busy patterned shirts to top it off. If you wear the shirt a bit longer you can tie in the outfit with a skinny belt and a pair of pump style heels.

MEN

• Business look: One of the great things about chinos for the guys is that they are dressy enough to wear for a day at the office and still provide a ton of comfort. A great outfit to put together with your khaki chinos is a white button down collared shirt and a fun colored tie such as a vibrant blue. A matching jacket to the chinos should also be worn and you will want to button one button in the front. Finish off the look with some black dress shoes and a black belt and you will be the star of any meeting you attend.
• Sloppy business: This look is catching on and it is really easy to accomplish. Wearing your khaki chinos, simply untuck your favorite collared button down shirt and unbutton the top two buttons. You will want to have a neck tie on but you will loosen it up. Finally, you will wear your jacket over top but you won’t button it. This look is growing in popularity and the best part is if you go to work at the office in your chinos, you simply have to ‘loosen up’ after work and you will be all set to go out for some drinks with the guys.

A good pair of chinos can cost you a bit of money, but these well made pants are worth every penny as they will have you looking your best when at work and at play.

What To Wear In Phoenix

Phoenix is the state capital of Arizona. It is also the largest city in the state and the 5th largest city in terms of population in the entire country. Located in the desert, Phoenix is also the hottest big city in America. The daytime averages for Phoenix are over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the months of June, July and August. Winter temperatures are considerably lower but still are warm enough to be considered summer temperatures for states up north. If you are heading to Phoenix, learn a little about how people dress there so that you are as comfortable as possible.

Packing for the weather is important when you are going to Phoenix and most other destinations. Being in the desert, it is a very dry locale and therefore umbrellas and raincoats are completely unnecessary. Even winter is very mild there with high 60s and low 70s as daytime averages. Nighttime temperatures are in the 40s in the winter. If you are visiting Phoenix in winter, you will be comfortable in typical spring and fall clothing. Many people who reside in the city will be wearing heavy sweaters and heavy weight pants or jeans at that time of the year. It’s mostly because they enjoy getting to wear that type of clothing for a short period of time, rather than any true intolerance to cold. If you are packing lightweight clothes, remember to bring a jacket or a heavy sweater to help you keep warm in the evening.

The extremely hot summers are cause for most people to stay inside for a good portion of the day. If you are in Phoenix in the summer, bring lightweight clothing for outside and a sweater or blazer for air conditioned spaces. Waterparks are a popular tourist destination and are also popular with Phoenix residents, especially in the summer. Therefore if you are planning a trip to Phoenix, be sure to pack a swimsuit, so you can enjoy the break from the heat.

Bring comfortable shoes or sneakers if you are playing the part of a tourist in Phoenix. There are many beautiful parks to enjoy, however you will be on your feet and will need to be comfortable. You will also need to wear a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. Sunscreen is also a must if you will be outside for any amount of time.

Phoenix has a variety of different types of businesses; however communications and high-tech firms are most prevalent. There are also many government departments found in the city. Business wear in Phoenix is pretty much the same as in other parts of North America. Some companies want a professional business look while others prefer business casual. In Phoenix, the major difference is the weight of fabrics. People tend to wear lightweight business clothes year round because they can.

Pack yourself a variety of lightweight summer clothing in loose fitting styles if you are heading to Phoenix. Stay cool and enjoy the desert.

How to Dress Like Alex Russo

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One of the more popular shows on the Disney Channel these days is the Wizards of Waverly Place. One of the main characters on the show is a young girl named Alex Russo. So fun is the show that there are now many young women that want to emulate Russo’s style and fashion. Russo’s style is not a very hard one to mimic and dressing like her can be accomplished by following a few simple steps.

To pull of the fun and vivacious fashion styles of Alex Russo, follow these guidelines:

•   Shirts: Russo tends to always wear either the traditional t-shirt, or the Henley style shirts that are in between short sleeved and long sleeved. She is always seen in bright bold colors no matter what style she is wearing so when you choose your shirt go with fun and vibrant colors such as purples, greens, and yellows. If you go with a longer sleeved shirt, you can pick up a pull over vest to help accessories the look.
•   Pants: Russo often wear jeans, but not just any old pair, this wizard opts for skinny jeans. Skinny jeans are tough to pull off unless you are skinny to begin with, so if you don’t want to go with skinny jeans you can always just pick out a form fitting pair to wear. Again the colors you choose should be fun and vibrant and Russo is very often seen in purple jeans.
•   Shoes: This one is extremely easy to nail as nine times out of ten Russo wears the same style of shoes on the show. Her favorite footwear is the classic Converse tennis shoe, low-top cut, and the color she seems to prefer is black. The only exception seems to be if she is straying from the jeans formula and wearing a skirt. At those times you will see her in black knee high boots.
•   Head wear: If Russo is not wearing a fluffy looking knit hat she usually has some sort of head band in her hair. Go wild with color and design here because Russo certainly does.
•   Accessories: One of the things that Russo is often seen wearing is a scarf. She seems to really gravitate towards the multicolored ones that are a cross between green and purple and wild designs such as paisleys are not out of the question either. She is usually sporting bigger earrings in the hoop style and sometime they are plain hoops and at other times they are a fancy designed hoop. She also wears multicolored rings from time to time and even an occasional necklace with a gold pendant.
•   Hair and Make-up: Russo is very simple when it comes to her hair and make-up. When fixing your hair you can pull it back or let it lie, just be sure it is casual either way. For your make-up, go for the light and clean look as Russo tends to be on the ‘All-American’ side of the make-up spectrum.

Once you have completed your dress up, simply have fun and try not to cast spells on anyone.

What to Wear with a Vest (for the Ladies)

Americans call them vests, the British call them waistcoats, but however you refer to them, they’re a recurring staple of the fashion world. Available in every fabric and cut imaginable, the vest is one of those wonderfully versatile wardrobe pieces that can add the crowning touch to a huge range of outfits. But before adding this fashion trick to your wardrobe, you must spend some time to find the vest that is right for your body. It needs to be long enough to reach your waist (otherwise your torso will appear too short and your lower half too long), but not so long that your waist disappears. Even more importantly, it can’t be too loose. A loose, floppy vest does absolutely nothing to flatter your figure, which is exactly the benefit of sporting the perfect waistcoat. Your body MUST look proportional.

Vests used to be worn only under suits, but that certainly isn’t the case these days. Current fashion trends use vests quite casually, over dresses, tees and even tanks. Here are a few ideas for what to wear with your favorite vest.

Pants or jeans. Wearing only a vest with pants or jeans can look fabulous! The trick is to find a vest that fits you well, doesn’t show too much cleavage and doesn’t show your bra. Try a menswear-inspired vest with a pair of tailored dark pants for an evening out, or go for a more relaxed look by pairing a cotton vest with your favorite jeans.

A tank top. Pairing a vest with a tank top may sound easy breezy, but it does take a bit of know-how to make this look truly stunning. When worn with a tank top, the vest should be the main attraction, so make sure that only a minimal amount of the tank peeks out from the top of the vest. It’s fine to let the bottom of the tank top show, but the armholes of the vest should not be cut so low that the tank top is exposed from the sides. And definitely don’t let your tank top straps show, or the chic factor will be lost. When properly worn, a vest and tank top can work in perfect synchronicity to showcase toned arms, emphasize a nice chest and minimize the waist.

A dress. Vests are such a feminine, fun touch to add to dresses. A cute denim vest paired with a pretty floral sundress adds just the right amount of structure. Vests, especially those that are knitted or woven, can be used to achieve the Bohemian feel that is currently so trendy. For a more formal look that can be worn at the office, start with a knee-length dress and add a silk or knit vest with a small belt over all.

A shirt or blouse. Slip a solid-colored vest over a blouse or shirt, and you’ve added instant interest to your outfit. Button it up to make the most of its waist-cinching properties, or leave it open for a more casual feel. You can go with a long-sleeved or short-sleeved shirt, but be careful that the vest is not too short as to throw your body out of proportion.

What to Wear in England

As the old saying goes, ‘When in Rome do as the Romans do.’ Well when you are planning on visiting England you should know how to dress so that you don’t stick out like a typical American tourist. It is important to note that many people in England get their sense of style by watching the starts of television and screen. That being said the fashion is one that tends to change on a fairly regular basis.

Here are some tips to help you decide what to wear when you are in England:

•   Loud colors: In England the colors of choice seem to be loud and bright. Many countries overseas like to stick with the darker and drabber colors, but England isn’t one of them. Yellows, purples, blues, and reds seem to be a favorite among many the locals.
•   Wild design: This is especially for the woman. Don’t be afraid to go with a totally wild and outrageous design or pattern. Many people in England sport styles and patterns that may be considered to over the edge here in America, but over there it is just another day in the life of England.
•   Get a good coat: It seems that everyone over in England has a coat on them most of the time. These coats can range from a sports jacket to a nice half-coat, or even a leather jacket, but they are almost always wearing them.
•   Shoe wear: Men tend to gravitate towards the boot look or the low top sneaker look. Their low top sneakers that they like are the same style as the low top Converse that can be found at almost any store right here in America. Women like to wear a lot of closed toed heels that are a variety of wild colors.
•   Scarves: When it is cold out it is very common to see both men and women sporting scarves. These scarves will serve two purposes. The first will be fashion and the second will be function by way of helping to keep the person warm.
•   Accessorize big: Women in England like to accessorize in a big way. They will wear big hanging necklaces and flashy jewelry. They also tend to cut their hair on the shorter and wilder side these days.
•   When in doubt: A great rule of thumb for anyone about to visit England is to pack lightly and bring some extra money. This way you can check into your hotel and then hit the streets and get ideas on how to dress by seeing what the locals are all wearing. Keep in mind that one region may dress a bit differently than the others so if you are planning on visiting more than one area in England than you will not want to spend your entire bankroll on the first day.

The good thing about dressing in England is it seems to be all about fun. The styles and colors over there are wild and vivid and allow for a great deal of leeway when choosing what it is you want to wear.

What To Wear Cross Country Skiing

Cross country skiing is a great exercise and a lot of fun for anyone who lives in a part of the country that gets a decent enough snowfall for the sport. It uses almost all the different muscle groups and can give a good cardiovascular workout when done correctly. It is a sport that fits well for individuals of all ages and can be adapted to varying levels of physical fitness. More good news is that getting equipped for cross country skiing is relatively inexpensive, especially when compared to some other sports. While the skis and boots can be more costly, there are many good deals to be found also on new equipment and especially on gently used equipment.

Knowing what to wear for cross country skiing is very important. While you can invest in skiing outfits, it is completely unnecessary, especially if you are skiing for the fun and exercise of it. The most important thing to know about cross country ski attire is that layering is essential. It is not only a matter of comfort, but by doing so you can also protect yourself from possible frostbite.

How cold it is when you go skiing will greatly help to determine what you should wear as you practice your sport. If the temperature is very cold, you will want to wear heavy layers and possibly even a hat and facemask to protect your skin. If the temperature is just below freezing and the sun is shining, you will want to dress in lighter layers. You will become warm very quickly once you get moving. However keep an extra layer in your car or wherever you start from because you cool down quickly in any winter temperature.

Your layers of clothing should include a synthetic layer of clothing next to your skin. Cotton absorbs moisture and keeps it next to the skin, making you cold, damp and uncomfortable. Synthetic fabrics will aid in wicking away moisture from your skin and drying quickly so you remain dry and warm. Additional layers may be cotton, wool or other fabric.

A waterproof winter jacket, preferably of a streamlined cut will allow you to comfortably move as you are skiing. The waterproof exterior will protect you from added moisture from melting snow and provide extra warmth. Comfortable, slim-fitting pants or specifically designed cross country ski pants of a waterproof material are also a good choice for optimal movement.

Well-insulated gloves are essential to your skiing adventure. They will provide the dexterity you want without any added bulk. A hat may be necessary at the beginning of your outing, but typically you will find that you will quickly need to remove it. Headbands that cover the ears are a good choice. Be sure to use ski goggles to protect your eyes. A ski belt with zippered pockets will give you space to carry necessities and to store hats and other small items that you remove.

With the right cross country skiwear, you will enjoy an exciting and comfortable season of outdoor adventure.