Category Archives: Fashion Advice

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

Olsen twins

How to Dress Like the Olsen Twins

Olsen twins

Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen have been followed by celebrity watchers almost since their birth. The adorable baby twins that became TV stars grew into popular adolescents with their own line of clothing and accessories. Still today as young adults, the media and their fans are fascinated by every move they make, their style and everything about them. Known for creating their own fashion trends, many people want to emulate their style.

If you want to learn how to dress like the Olsen twins, there are some must-haves that you need to add to your wardrobe. Their look is heavy into accessories, so that is a great place to start. Mary Kate and Ashley always wear large oversized sunglasses and carry large oversized but very functional bags. In addition, they tend to pair black or other dark colored tights with many of their outfits. These are an easy addition to your wardrobe. Jewelry is another must-have for the Olsen twin look. The twins often sport clunky bracelets, big earrings and long necklaces. So stock up on these items. Luckily jewelry is a one-size-fits-most, so anyone can have the Olsen jewelry style. Flowing scarves, often providing the only touch of color in an outfit are true Olsen style staples too. Glam is a hallmark of their look.

Mary Kate and Ashley have a penchant for dark colors in their wardrobe. There is a large amount of black in the outfits they are most commonly seen wearing. Accessories often bring the only color to an Olsen twin outfit. Much of their look is created layering different textures, colors and fun pieces. High heeled footwear, including unusual shoes and high heeled boots are often worn by the twins in their unique outfits.

The ensembles that are typically worn by Mary Kate and Ashley are usually made up of a combination of vintage clothes and trendy pieces. This eclectic combination makes for a unique look that you cannot recreate simply by buying all the pieces from one store. If you want to dress like the Olsen twins, you will need to start by finding vintage clothes as a base for your wardrobe. Yard sales, consignment shops and online vintage clothing sellers are go-to destinations for such items.

In your quest to dress like the Olsen twins, remember that their style is very casual for the most part. While they do like to dress up for special occasions and love glam, much of their everyday wear consists of long sweaters, layers, oversized items, jeans, leggings, interesting shoes and great accessories. Very little of their clothes is form fitting or provocative. Keep it modest and varied and you can easily pull off an Olsen twins look.

Sari

How to Wear a Sari

Sari

The simplicity of a sari makes it popular to women nowadays. This kind of attire is so flexible that it can be worn in different wrap-up styles and can look formal or casual depending on the design. With so many colors and prints available, there’s a sari for every taste. The right sari fabric featuring the perfect print and color will make you the most fashionable and elegant woman at the party.

Choosing the right sari for your occasion is easy. First, think about what kind of event you’ll be attending. Is it formal, like a wedding or society party? Or more casual, like simple family gatherings or a party with friends? A sari can fit in with any party, as long as you choose one that’s appropriate. They vary from elegant drapes to simple drops, from detailed prints to simple ones. Knowing in advance how fancy your party will be will save you from the embarrassment of being underdressed or overdressed.

Choosing the design, print, and fabric for your sari is another thing. For formal and serene occasions like weddings, elegant designs are preferred. Go with warm and classic colors like beige, cream, white with touches of gold and silver. Choose a fabric that compliments your figure best. Slim women should have cotton or silk so as to enhance their curves, while curvier women will prefer chiffon or georgette fabrics.

There are two more crucial pieces you’ll need to choose carefully once you’ve picked a design and fabric type. You’ll need a petticoat and a blouse. The waist-to-floor length petticoat, which shouldn’t be visible outside the Sari, must match the color of sari as closely as possible. If you have a dark fabric sari, any dark color will do, but for lighter ones, stick to a color that’s very close to the sari’s color. The blouse should end below the bust. Look for a blouse that features a very simple design that compliments the elegant drapes your sari makes when you wear it.

Dressing in your sari starts with tucking the plain end of the fabric into the petticoat, preferably on the right side of your navel. Make sure that the whole fabric is gathered on your left side and that the lower end of the fabric is touching the floor. Then wrap it around again enveloping your body from right to left. Starting at the tucked-in end, make equally graceful pleats (the number of pleats depends on the style you want) and tuck them into the petticoat, at the waist, directly opposite the other tucked end.

After that, raise the remaining fabric up under your right arm and over your left shoulder. This way, the level of the safari is at knee-length already. Lastly, you can prevent the pallu, or the loose end of the sari that’s hanging over your left shoulder, from slipping off by fixing it to the blouse with a well-hidden safety pin or two.

Use your imagination to create other wrap-up styles. The possibilities are endless – but make sure you take pictures so you can recreate a winning wrap again. Have fun and be beautiful with your own sari!

Peaches Geldof

How To Dress Like Peaches Geldof

Peaches Geldof

Peaches Geldof is the daughter of Bob Geldof, the singer-songwriter. Her full name is Peaches Honeyblossom Michelle Charlotte Angel Vanessa Geldof. To date Peaches’ claim to fame is simply being a socialite. Born in 1989, she is still very young and is currently in college. She has done some broadcasting work and has been featured in a variety of magazines around the world. One of them has even included her in the top 10 fashion icons in recent years.

Her long sometimes dark and sometimes blond hair and the styles she wears often gives Peaches a look of little girl lost. She is currently sporting lightened hair. She is considered to be one of the British “It” girls, especially in terms of fashion, even though she currently resides in the United States and goes to New York University here. Peaches is one of those style queens who can pull off practically anything, matching items and prints that should never be matched but somehow making it work.

Peaches has gotten involved with a fashion group called PPQ. She designs for the company and they create her fashions. It is a perfect business arrangement for both sides. This is a great example of just how fashion savvy she really is. How many clients are turned to for help in any business?

Peaches is a big fan of the color black and often adorns herself in it. She tends to gravitate towards short skirts and tights as a signature part of her outfits. She also has some great looks with black and ivory together in short dresses. It makes for a very sophisticated but young look.

For the red carpet, Peaches knows how to pull together a worthy look. She wears her hair up in a sophisticated style. She opts for floor length sophisticated dresses which are one or two tone and have a completely grown up look to them. In regards to accessories, Peaches tends to use a wide variety of them. Occasionally she can be seen wearing a tam. When it comes to a purse she uses a variety of sizes from the handheld clutch to a big bag. She sometimes wears jewelry but is not over done. One of the things that makes her stand out in a crowd is her intense use of eye makeup. Her eyes are rimmed with black eyeliner consistently.

If you are striving to dress like Peaches Geldof, get yourself some of her signature wardrobe pieces in order to get started. Opt for black short skirts and tights before anything else. Throw in a great leather jacket, some black heels and a plaid shirt. Check out photos of her online and see what else she is wearing so you can recreate the awesome looks that she is so well known for.

Football fan

How To Have Your Wife or Girlfriend to Dress Like A Football Fan

Football fan

It happens every Sunday from September through January. Men are glued to their TV sets while their wives complain; often misunderstanding the joy their husbands derive from the drama that unfolds on the screen. Why don’t women partake in their husband’s exuberance for football? Most say they just don’t understand the game, don’t see the point, and believe their men should be doing something else with their time. Men dream of a wife that will bond with them through football, as this usually means they’ll get to watch more of it.

There have been a lot of ways that men have tried to get their uninterested wives to like football. The most common approach is reminding her of the time they’re spending together while watching the games. Recently men have come up with a different strategy. Knowing that women like to dress and shop, men believe that if their wives dress the part they’ll eventually feel the part. So buying her some team merchandise, they believe, might be the way to get started.

The first step is where to go to shop? Women are naturally unlikely to shop at places where team jerseys are sold. Macy’s and the GAP aren’t going to sell Pittsburgh Steelers team paraphernalia. So accompany your wife to a local sports clothing store. This will be unfamiliar territory for her so have patience.

What will she need to wear so that she won’t embarrass you in front of your fellow fans?

1) Jersey. This is probably the most critical piece of clothing. It’s a representation of your fan-dom. Keep it simple. Purchase a jersey that only has the team’s name on it. In other words, if possible, avoid player names or numbers. Your wife won’t feel a connection to a player she doesn’t know anyway. Names can also be controversial, particularly if the player in question has had legal issues. It won’t help your cause if drunken fans yell at your wife if she has the name Vick on the back of her jersey.

2) Shoes. Sneakers are the name of the game. Go with name brands like Nike that she’ll recognize. Under no circumstances are boots or heels allowed.

3) Jeans. This is where you can give your wife some leeway of choice. Let her pick the jeans that she feels will best match the jersey colors she’s purchased. She’ll feel a sense of involvement and you can even let her shop for the jeans at the GAP.

4) Accessories. These include gloves or mittens and a scarf. The scarf can be a team-color scarf. The mittens just must be warm if you plan on going to the games in the stadium in winter.

What not to wear? This is simple. A wife in the beginning stages of dressing like a football fan should avoid face paint or wigs. In the future she can sparingly decorate herself if she becomes more of a fan.

Basically, your wife will like the idea of dressing with you in support of your team. She’ll be happy you’ve thought of her and will reward you with unlimited TV time watching the games. And if you’ve done your job she’ll even watch with you.

Jessica Simpson

How to Dress Like Jessica Simpson

Jessica Simpson

Jessica Simpson offers classic American beauty that anyone can emulate. Men find her blonde hair, big chest and flirty outfits irresistible, while women appreciate her feminine yet approachable style. In addition to being a regular in the fashion magazines, she has made a significant mark on the fashion world by launching her own line of handbags, footwear, swimwear and other accessories.

To dress like Jessica Simpson, bring out the bows, ribbon and lace. This girl loves being a girl, and her feminine style reflects it.

Pretty dresses.
Girly is the rule when Jessica dresses up. Her dresses are often tight to show off her cute hourglass shape, and short to emphasize her well-muscled legs. Lately she has also been wearing the season’s long and flowing maxi dresses, such as this vintage-inspired maxi number by Elizabeth and James Dooriya. To copy Jessica’s look, go for fun and flirty dresses in feminine colors such as pink, purple and blue. Florals are always a safe bet, and it’s just fine to show off as much cleavage as you dare. Jess may be the daughter of a minister, but she’s not shy at all when it comes to showcasing her best assets.

Interesting patterns and textures. Jessica Simpson enjoys experimenting with interesting patterns and textures, and recently announced she will be adding dresses to her fashion line for this reason.

Sky high heels.
As the inspiration behind her own line of footwear, Jessica loves wearing sexy shoes. Her petite height makes her partial to high heels…really high heels. She is an expert at walking and looking great in wedges, platforms, stilettos and many other tall styles.

Flashy accessories. Jessica loves most any accessory. Big earrings, chunky necklaces, dangling bracelets, wide belts, designer handbags … you name it, this girl wears it. When accessorizing your Jessica Simpson look, having fun mixing up a variety of items. Large-framed sunglasses are also a necessity for shielding one’s eyes from the glare of the paparazzi.

Trendy casual. When dressing casually, Jessica loves to go for comfort.  Tracksuits designed by Juicy Couture are among her favorites, such as this Dog Crest Velour hoodie and pants set featuring a pink, silver and gold crest.

Go country. As a born and bred Texas girl, Jessica knows how to work western wear. She’s frequently seen in country garb (especially during the time she was attempting a career in country music), and vintage cowboy boots are a favorite. Her footwear line includes a healthy selection of boots fit for any cowgirl. Jessica also is known for looking smokin’ hot in Daisy Duke shorts, a must for her role as the country daredevil in the 2005 “Dukes of Hazzard” movie.

Pile on the hair extensions.
Jessica has made hair extensions famous, and even admits to sleeping in them. She and her hair stylist, Ken Pavés, have been using the clip-on hairpieces for years. If you want to dress like Jessica Simpson, hair extensions can help you duplicate her long, flowing tresses with ease.

Pam Beasley

How to Dress Like Pam Beasley from The Office

Pam Beasley

One of the most popular television shows in the last couple of years is The Office. Pam Beesly, played by actress Jenna Fischer, is one of the main characters on the show. Pam is the frustrated receptionist-turned-salesperson at the fictional paper company Dunder Mifflin. Pam is engaged to her coworker, Jim Halpert, a salesman at Dunder Mifflin. She is often the calm voice of reason in a workplace filled with drama. She is an understated, yet pivotal character on the show.

Pam is one of the most popular characters on The Office. Her simple attire and modest style help to show that though she appears unassuming, she’s actually a complex individual. Dressing like Pam from The Office is really simple for that reason. Just follow a few simple steps to get the look.

Pam’s office wear is very basic. You can start with a simple cotton button down shirt. Try for a simple pattern or a solid color. Make sure the shirt fits properly. Pam does not wear loose or baggy clothes. She seems understated but has a great figure and her clothes work to show that off in a very subtle way. You can find something like this at most women’s clothing stores or department stores such as Kohl’s or Macy’s.

On top of the shirt you can add a simple, cute cardigan. Pam often wears a cardigan in colors like soft pink or gray. In the winter you can wear a cozy turtleneck sweater instead of a cardigan. Add a Christmas brooch during the holiday season to add some extra Pam style to the outfit.

The next thing you need to dress like Pam from The Office is a modest skirt. Go for a basic color like gray or black. Make sure it fits! The skirt should come down to just below your knee. A pencil skirt would be perfect and can be found in most department stores.

Pam always wears pantyhose! It’s probably in the Dunder Mifflin dress code. So make sure you wear nude panty hose. Pair the hose with some sensible, basic dress shoes and you’ve almost completed the look.

One of Pam’s defining style elements is her hair. It’s basic medium brown and almost always worn in a half-up style. To get this look simply pull back your hair on both sides, leaving the back down and long, and put in a clip or barrette in the back to secure it. Leave the bangs long and out of the clip but tucked behind your ear. Don’t style the hair too much before pinning it up as Pam’s hair generally looks a little wavy and under styled.

Pam Beesly is a classic character with a super simple style that’s easy to duplicate with only a few simple pieces. Put them together in the right pairings and you can pull it off in no time! It’s easy to dress like Pam Beesly with the right outfit.

Communist

How to Dress Like a Communist

Communist

Communism, according to the Merriam Webster dictionary, is a totalitarian system of government in which there is a single authoritarian power. The word “communist” conjures up many images from Karl Marx to Stalin to modern day North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il. Though communism dates back as far as the 16th century, it’s communist leaders in the last one hundred years that come to mind with the word communist.

Communism is a controversial political idea but can be a fun and interesting dress style to try to emulate. Dressing like a communist takes some thought and planning but can be done with some simple clothing and hair.

There are many communists that one can try to imitate, though there is also just a general sense of style that one can copy to pull off the look as well. For this you just need a few basic things in order to dress like a communist.

One option is to find a plain military type uniform, either in olive, black or navy. A button shirt with a notched collar and matching pants will do the trick. Add a leather belt either around the waist of the pants or over the jacket around your waist to complete the look. Make sure you also wear military boots with this outfit and a matching hat with a brim or a military beret. All of these items can be found at a costume shop or at an army surplus store. You could also search the internet for these articles.

Another option when dressing like a communist is to try to reproduce the image of the communist leaders. With this look you would need a more formal coat or jacket with matching pants. This can either be something akin to a suit or a more formal version of a military uniform. As long as it’s plain and generic without military insignias, any of these will do the trick. Wearing a belt outside the jacket, high around the waist would work great with the formal look. Adding an overcoat or trench coat to either the simple or the formal outfit would help to complete the costume.

Many communists and communist leaders were known to have facial hair. Adding a moustache and/or a beard would really add to the look. And for your hair you could go with a wild unkempt look or a more subdued, slicked back look.

A common symbol of communism is a red star with a yellow hammer and sickle in the middle. Adding one of these to your outfit would make it look quite authentic, though could also add even more controversy to you costume.

The image of a communist evokes a sense of revolution and counterculture.  To dress like a communist could be quite controversial but could also be challenging and fun to try to imitate the look. Dressing like a communist takes a little shopping, thought and preparation but can be an easy style to duplicate.

MC Hammer

How to Dress Like MC Hammer

MC Hammer

Back in the late 1980’s MC Hammer gave the rap world such familiar hits as To Legit to Quit and You Can’t Touch This. He was so popular at one point in time that it seemed impossible to turn on the radio without hearing one of his songs every hour. Even though his music is no longer all the rage, his whacky style of dressing still is. The way he dressed when he preformed was almost as entertaining as the songs that he sang.

If you want to dress like MC Hammer you have to be prepared to be stared at quite a bit. That was after all Hammers’ main focus, to draw attention to himself. Here are some ways to dress like MC Hammer:

•    Parachute pants: This is MC Hammer’s trademark. No matter what else he wore while he was performing, both he and all the dancers that were on the stage with him wore parachute pants. Parachute pants are typically tight on the ankles and waist and are loose and parachute looking in the legs. Hammer took his parachute pants so seriously that he actually had his custom made. You don’t need to go this far though as a vintage store will probably have some pants that will do the trick.

•    Jackets: There are no rules here except that you should go for something that clashes horribly with the pants. Hammer always seemed to have fun mixing and matching his jackets with his parachute pants. The jacket you choose should also be form fitting and if you have a physique like Hammer did then you can go shirtless like Hammer did. If you are not comfortable going shirtless, have some more fun finding a clashing t-shirt to wear under your jacket.

•    Flat soled boots: Hammer was always dancing when he performed and for this reason he had to wear boots with a flat sole. The boots almost always matched the pants in color and clashed horrifically with the entire ensemble. A good trick here is to find an old pair of boxing boots at a thrift store and spray paint them and add some glitter and or sequins to them. Now you have an affordable pair of Hammer boots.

•    Accessories: Hammer loved to be flashy with his accessories. Duplicate his flare by wearing big sunglasses that match your pants, but never your jacket and make sure to get plenty of thick gold chains that sport all sorts of medallions.

•    Hair:
The last thing that will tie the entire MC Hammer look together is the hair. Hammer was famous for his fade. To get the Hammer fade, start tight and short on the sides of your hair and gradually fade up your hair so the end result looks like you have a flat head. Top it off with shaving a few lines in the side of your head and you are set.

While we all may laugh at how MC Hammer dressed, you have to admit he was a pretty good dancer considering the wardrobe he had on.

Bruno

How to Dress Like Bruno

Bruno

Bruno is a gay Austrian fashionista played by Sacha Baron Cohen. The character Bruno has been rejected by the Austrian fashion world and finds refuge in America, hoping to build a new level of acceptance in the country. He dives into the American fashion world and looks to find acceptance and fame.

Bruno is flamboyant and extravagant. From his clothes to his personality, he is about pushing social boundaries with people and causing extreme discomfort in those that he encounters. When dressing and acting like Bruno, remember that more is more and that to be out of control, obnoxious and flashy is to be Bruno.

Bruno’s clothing is just as bold as he is. To get the same famous shorts with suspenders look, find a pair of skimpy shorts that are bright yellow and have suspenders. You need to wear a bold printed shirt underneath the suspenders. Something that is brown checkered or similar will fit the bill. Next, find a hat that matches the shorts. Add combat boots that are either black or brown and you have the complete look.

Another famous outfit of Bruno’s is a bit more subtle, and that term is used loosely. He pairs tight leather pants with a swirl pattern, and a blue vest that is shredded at the bottom and around the arms. The neckline is cut to the mid chest area and is fitted like a corset with strings. Zippers run along the sides of the shirt underneath the arms. The vest is fitted and short, exposing the stomach. He wears a wide leather cuff to accessorize the outfit.

A feistier Bruno has been seen in animal print. Leopard is the animal of choice, and Bruno wears a tight fitting t-shirt in leopard print paired with matching briefs that are just a little bit too small. Remember that Bruno is proud of his body and not modest in the least form, and therefore likes to wear skimpy and tight clothing to show off his body.
Top off the look with a matching hat and matching ankle boots. The point is to be in animal print from head to toe.

Hair needs to be blond with a few shades of brown, and mostly blond in the front. Comb the blondest parts over your forehead and a bit over your eyes. He sometimes wears his hair in a Mohawk too. Remember that Bruno is a fashionista, so trim those brows and keep them looking clean. If you are up for it, wear makeup to enhance your polished look and make your skin look perfect. You will also need to shave all of your body hair: chest, arms, and legs.

Bruno speaks with an Austrian accent and flirts shamelessly with every man he encounters. His behavior is outlandish and inappropriate. If your behavior is cringe worthy, you’re on the right track. Watch the movie to imitate how he speaks, as this is one of the most crucial ways to act like Bruno.

Dressing up like Bruno is not for the shy or faint of heart. However if you are bold and tend not to care what other people think of you, this is a fun and liberating way to spend your Halloween. You can become someone wildly inappropriate yet wickedly funny, and everyone will appreciate the courage it took to be Bruno for a day.

Tina Fey

How To Dress Like Tina Fey

Tina Fey

Tina Fey is the reigning leading lady of comedy. She has a unique sense of humor that we see in all her writing, producing and acting endeavors. From her beginnings on Saturday Night Live to her own TV shows and movies, she is in a category of her own as a women comedienne. As a writer, actress and producer, Tina Fey has become one of the most recognizable celebrities around, due to her successes.

One of the trademark things about Tina Fey’s look is her glasses. In fact, vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin received comments about her Tina Fey glasses, during the 2008 campaign. If you are looking to dress like the award-winning Tina Fey, the first thing you should get is a pair of glasses in that unmistakable Tina Fey style. If you are attempting a dressy Tina Fey look instead of an everyday one, choose contacts instead.

Tina Fey’s fashion style is very underdone compared to many other celebrities. She tends to dress in rather normal clothes and styles, which makes it easy for most anyone to pull off a Tina Fey look. Jeans and a T-shirt are a common ensemble for her. Is it important to note that she almost always wears a shirt with a flattering, low-cut neckline. To create a true Tina Fey look, opt for dark shirts with a V-neck, scoop neck or princess neckline. Fitted jeans are a must too for her casual look.

The colors she favors are typically dark. She often opts for black tops and dresses, although has also been seen in dark shades of other rich tones like purple, green and brown. She wears jewelry rather sparingly; saving conservative pieces for dressy occasions, though often opts for dangling earrings. She always carries a tiny matching clutch bag with her dressy outfits.

Whether you are looking to pull off a daytime or an evening Tina Fey look, one thing to bear in mind is that her clothes always show off her curves to their best advantage. To successfully dress like her, you will need to invest in items that are form fitting. If your form is not as fit as you’d like, you may want to invest some time in shaping up prior to donning such styles.

Another touch needed for a true Tina Fey look is the hair. Her do is never highlighted blonde, it always a rich chocolate tone. She favors shoulder-length and slightly longer styles. Bangs and a wispy fringed look make her straight hair appear often slightly tousled, which is a great look for her and an easy one to imitate. For special events, she occasionally wears her hair curly for a slightly different look. Keep makeup minimal too in true Tina fashion, with an emphasis on the eyes.

Tina Fey, one of the hottest celebrities around today, has an easy look to mimic. Her girl-next-door looks and style make for an affordable look to recreate for anyone who is determined to be a star.

Leather

How To Stretch Out Leather

Leather

Leather is one of the oldest materials used for clothing and shoes. It is just as popular and comfortable now as it was for the first people who ever used it. Leather offers so many advantages from strength to versatility to good looks and comfort. It also provides softness and stretch so that practically any leather can mold and adapt to a given shape, which is why leather shoes are so much more comfortable when they have been broken in. If you are looking to stretch out leather for maximum comfort there are a few things that you should know.

If you want to stretch leather shoes, there are professional sprays that can help you with the process. You simply need to spray the shoes with it and it will help the leather to adapt and stretch to the shape of your feet. You will need to wear the shoes however to get them stretched to the right shape. Alternatively you can buy shoe stretchers to put inside such shoes. This is a good investment if your feet are just slightly bigger than a certain size and you need to regularly stretch shoes. You can also stretch shoes by putting on heavy socks or even multiple pairs of heavy socks and wearing the leather shoes around your home until they stretch enough to be comfortable. Stuffing your shoes with any rigid item that pushes its limits will help to achieve the stretch you want too.

If you are looking to stretch bigger items like leather pants, shirts, skirts or boots, you will need to use water. While this goes completely against what we are usually told about caring for leather, you will need to completely submerge your leather item in warm water. While the item is in the water, knead the leather to make it as supple and workable as possible. Keep your item there for at least 10 minutes. When it comes out of the water you will need to put on your soaking wet leather and wear it around for a while. This gives the material the opportunity to stretch to your shape so that it fits you perfectly and hugs your every curve. In this way you can truly create a one-of-a-kind leather garment that is for you alone. Wear the leather for as long as you comfortably can in order to preserve the new shape you introduced to it.

The alternate method for stretching out leather is to go to a professional leather shop or in the case of shoes to a cobbler for professional stretching. Such people have the equipment necessary to achieve what you are looking for without the extra work on your part. However, you will have to pay for this service. It typically takes 24 hours or more.

Get your beautiful leather that doesn’t quite fit out of the back of the closet. With a little ingenuity and time you can stretch the items you haven’t worn in a while. Before you know it, you’ll be slipping into a sexy leather look that is just perfect for just about anything.

Beer Belly

What To Wear To Camouflage A Beer Belly

Beer Belly

The most common places they can be found are backyard barbecues, sporting events, and college campuses. But truth is told they can be found anywhere. Every man has seen one and likely has had one to some degree at one time or another in his life. It’s the beautiful beer belly. Beer bellies were once worn as a proud badge of honor to showcase a social, partying heritage. Those who had them were looked upon as teddy bears or every-man kind of guys. Some people thought beer bellies were actually cute. In modern times, where health clubs and organic food stores are as common as Big Macs once were, a beer belly has suddenly become something that’s seen as shameful or a sign of laziness.

The good news is that a beer belly isn’t always caused by beer. It’s just a term given to an accumulation of fat above the belt. Some men don’t even drink and have a beer belly. High calorie foods and lots of inactivity are sure to be the culprits. Because of genetics and where fat is stored, only men are susceptible. Eating healthy and staying active are obvious preventative measures and most men realize this. What if you’re a man and you’re comfortable with your beer belly but, at certain times, you just wish it wasn’t there? Well as many men that have beer bellies there are as many solutions to hiding the problem. Here are some ideas to camouflage a beer belly.

Loose clothing. As obvious as this may seem, wearing loose clothing can be a quick remedy. Clothing a size or two too big will hide the general outline of your body in all places. But don’t go too baggy as this will make you look bulky.

Wear the right colors. Men, being naturally averse to fashion, usually don’t think of this one. Dressing in two-tones can actually obscure the belly area. Dark colors should be worn for your pants and wear lighter colored shirts. Fashion experts who’ve dealt with the beer belly situation know that many men with beer guts have the look of thin legs. Two-color dressing hides this imbalance and gives a more proportioned look.

Leave your shirt untucked. A slimmer line look can be achieved by simply not tucking in button down shirts. This way the belly overhang is not as evident.

No muscle shirts. Avoid anything tight for that matter. Don’t wear anything too clingy that accentuates things you’d rather not show off.

Stripe the belly away. Always go with vertical stripes. Vertical stripes will make you appear longer and thinner. Horizontal stripes have the opposite effect. Under no circumstances wear a shirt with a large stripe across the chest because upon first glance the eyes of someone else will be directed right to your belly.

Probably the best way to camouflage a beer belly is to wear a smile! If you walk around self-conscious about your beer belly and believe everyone is looking at it then they will be! Be confident and don’t give the beer belly more power over you than it already has.

Janis Joplin

How to Dress Like Janis Joplin

Janis Joplin

In the 1960s a movement of sorts happened and singers like Janis Joplin helped bring the ‘hippy look’ to the forefront. Joplin had a style that was a cross between a hippy, ragamuffin, and even a drifter. Joplin’s life was tragically ended in 1970 at the very young age of 27, but her attitude and style are still admired by many today.

To dress like Janis Joplin it is important to remember that it is not just about the look and style of the clothing but you have to have the attitude to go with it. Joplin had such an air of confidence about her and that is part of what made her be able to pull off such a simple look.

Here are some tips on how you too can dress like Janis Joplin:

•    Jeans: Go with a loose fitting style of bell-bottom jeans. These were a favorite of Joplin’s and there are many pictures of her wearing them. If there are some rips and tears in the jeans, don’t worry as this just adds to the illusion, though you can get creative and sew on a patch or two. If the jeans appear a little on the dirty side, no worries. The more you look like you don’t care about the way the jeans look, the better.
•    Tops: Think hippy. Light and frilly does the trick here. Joplin never wore anything too serious and often chose patterns such as paisley and flowers. You can finish off your shirt with a vest if you like as Joplin did this from time to time as well.
•    Dresses: Joplin also wore a lot of multi colored sundresses that were very loose fitting. The brighter and louder the colors here, the better.
•    Shoes: This is easy as Joplin didn’t wear shoes much and when she did they consisted of little more than a pair of flip flops. You can also get away with a pair of sandals here.
•    Accessories: Big round bug-eye looking sunglasses were a favorite of Joplin’s when she performed outside. She did wear a lot of jewelry but remember to think in the terms of a hippy when you choose yours. Never go with gold and diamonds instead choose accessories like wood bead necklaces. Wear lots of bracelets and get a couple of mood rings too.
•    Hair and make-up: Joplin’s hair often looked as though it had not been brushed in weeks. To pull off this look simply mess up your hair a bit when you get out of the shower and let it air dry. As for make-up, Joplin was all natural so if you decide to use make-up go extra light.

Again, the key in dressing like Janis Joplin is attitude and confidence. Joplin looked confident in every appearance she ever made, even when her jeans were so baggy they were falling off of her. You have to feel good enough about yourself and not give a hoot what the average person thinks if you are going to successfully pull of the Janis Joplin look.

Black

Why Wear the Color Black

Black

It used to be that you only saw people wearing black at times of sorrow like at a funeral. While this tradition still holds true, black is now seen on a daily basis and why wouldn’t it be? Black is perhaps the most versatile color you can have in your wardrobe. Everything goes with black and there is really no occasion that black doesn’t fit into. Now this isn’t to say that you should dress in all black all the time, but having a healthy sprinkling of black on an almost daily basis is a recipe for good looking.

There are many reasons to wear black besides the fact that you are attending a funeral, here are just a few:

•    Black is sexy: More and more in Hollywood you see the starlets of the Silver Screen wearing long and flowing black gowns on the red carpet and sexy black skirts on the streets. You too can mimic this look as there is nothing more gorgeous than a nice form fitting dress or skirt that is black.
•    Black is bad: Want to increase your bad factor, wear some black. Picture a guy with jeans and a t-shirt, nothing wrong with that right? Now picture that same guy with the same pair of jeans and the same t-shirt only he is also wearing a black leather jacket….bad to the bone huh?
•    Black rocks: This is a no brainer here. If you want to look rocker there is absolutely no better way than to get a great looking pair of black leather pants and top it off with whatever kind of shirt you want. Black leather pants have been and probably always will be a true symbol of those who rock.
•    Black is easy: As eluded too earlier, what color doesn’t go with black? A great looking pair of black pants can easily be paired with any number of shirts in your wardrobe. Black is the easiest color to match because there is nothing that won’t go good with it.
•    Black is forgiving: While there are other easy colors to wear, like white, black is very forgiving in a world where we all rush around. Black hides your mistakes like a drop or two of coffee from your morning comute…try getting that out of white.
•    Black makes a statement: If you want to call attention to yourself there is no better color than black. Sure you could use hot pink or candy apple red, but this will tend to come off as you trying too hard. When you enter a room wearing something that is stunning and black, people will notice but because black is not a ‘loud’ color no one but you will know you where actually looking for that attention.

Black is the most versatile, most well rounded, and by far the easiest color that ever was. No matter where you go or what you do, you can always be sure that you will look your best so long as you let black be part of your fashion equation.

Italy 1

What to Wear on Vacation in Italy

Italy 1

Italy is a place that is filled with culture and history and a trip to this great country will have you coming back with memories that you won’t soon forget. But Italy is more than just great food and great romance it is a place where you need to look as though you are a local. The rules for dressing in Italy are not as strict as other foreign countries but if you want to ‘blend’ in then you do have to follow some rules.

Knowing what to wear and when in Italy can mean the difference in being labeled as ‘a tourist’ or blending in and coming off almost as though you are a local. Here is what you will need to know:

•    Casual wear: When you are in Italy and you want to dress casual you need to keep in mind that the Italians definition of casual and Americans definition of casual are as different as night and day. If you dress in your normal casual manner and throw on a jogging suit that is complimented by bright white sneakers you will be diagnosed as a tourist in about two seconds flat. In Italy there is a lack of closet space for many and clothing tends to be on the expensive side. For those reasons, many Italians buy only a handful of clothing from high end retailers and mix and match what they have. There clothing is usually clothing that can be worn at any time of the year and their ‘casual’ look is more like an American formal look. Not that you should walk around in a tuxedo, but slacks go a long way as do nice button down shirts.

•    Shorts: This is a somewhat touchy subject in Italy. Some Italian men can be spotted in shorts but their shorts will always come down to their knees at least and most Italian women won’t wear shorts unless they are at the beach. If possible avoid the shorts, but if you feel you must wear them at least follow the local customs.

•    Shoes: The historic cobblestone streets in Italy are definitely not easy on the feet. If you plan on doing any type of walking around you better have a pair of shoes that have a thick bottom but not so thick that you lose the feel of the ground. Be sure that your shoes offer great ankle support so you don’t turn your ankle as that can lead to a nasty sprain. As far as those sneakers, flip flops, mules, and other cozy American style shoes are concerned, go ahead and leave those behind. If possible try to get your shoes before you take your trip to Italy so that you have ample time to break them in. Even if you have the right kind of shoes for Italy a pair that is not broken in will lead to many blisters and much discomfort.

When all else fails, see how the locals dress and spend some of your money at a local shop and mimic the local fashion as best you can. While Italy always promises a great time, your trip will be even more enjoyable if you do your best to blend in.

Shopping

What to Wear When Clothes Shopping

Shopping

Many times when people go out clothes shopping they pay no mind as to what they put on before they set off to the mall. This is a mistake that can end up costing you some time if you are not careful. Being aware of what you have on can actually help you to make better decisions and can get your shopping spree done in a faster amount of time as well.

The next time you go clothes shopping consider what you are going to wear to the mall for these reasons:

•    Changing rooms: This is where you can cut your shopping time almost in half. If you wear an elaborate outfit to the mall there is no doubt you will look great but if it took you a long time to put it on before you left your house it will take you just as long to take it on and off numerous times in the dressing rooms. If you are going out to get a whole new wardrobe, save yourself some time and wear clothing that can easily be taken off and put back on.
•    Accessorizing: If you are looking to accessorize some of the new clothes you are going to go shopping for then it may be in your best interest to wear clothes that are similar to what you are going to buy. This will make choosing a purse, a watch, jewelry, or any other accessory a breeze. If you think a certain accessory looks good with your older clothes, then they will more than likely look great with your brand new ones.
•    Mix and match: Let’s say you have a pair of jeans you love and a top you love but the two have been combined already numerous times. Wear that outfit to the mall one last time and you can then find new tops to go with those jeans and new jeans or other pants to go with that top. The end result is a new look with the same old favorites that you already have.
•    Sizing: If you are going after a certain brand of clothing and you already own some of that brand, then wear it when you go clothes shopping. This will enable you to know exactly what size you need as you can simply look on the tag if you forget. If the clothes you wear there are too tight or too loose, you can adjust the size accordingly. This trick will save you from trying on three or four different sizes and thus will save you time.
•    Avoid a disaster: This sounds weird but you may want to wear the outfit you hate the most when you go clothes shopping. Why? By doing so you will avoid certain colors and styles that you obviously think you don’t look good on you and this will help you to avoid the disaster of choosing the wrong clothes all over again.

Think about what you are wearing the next time you go clothes shopping and dress in an effort to save yourself some time. Remember, the faster you get done shopping, the faster you can sport your new outfits.

Dark complexion

Best Colors for Dark Complexions – What to Wear and What not to Wear

Dark complexion

When it comes to what color of clothing you should wear you should always consider your complexion. If you have a dark complexion you are in luck as there are full spectrums of colors that will look good on you. There is however no one size fits all rule as there are different levels of what would be considered a ‘dark complexion.’ While the best outfit to wear is always the one you get the most compliments in there are some general guidelines that can help you to determine what to wear and what not to wear with your darker complexion.

If you have a dark complexion there are basically three categories that you will fall in. Determining which category you fall under will help you determine what types of colors are going to look best on you. Here is a quick guide:

1.    Cool Toned: A cool toned individual will have a much darker complexion that the any other type. When you are cool toned, you will find that colors such as red, pink ,blue, and lavender look great with your complexion. On the other side of the fence, you will find that colors such as yellow and orange do not. Cool toned individuals usually find comfort and style with the many different shades of red as well as blues, purple, and maroon.

2.    Warm Toned: A warm toned individual will have a lighter skin complexion in comparison to a cool toned individual but will still have an overall dark complexion. When you are warm toned, you will look great in orange, yellow, and even apricot colors, but you will not look particularly good in the colors that the cool toned individuals look good in. Being warm toned you will want to avoid the darker colors like reds, blues, and even maroon. Choosing earthy colors is usually a safe bet. Colors such as gold, brown, green, orange, and apricot usually fit the bill.

3.    Mixed Tones: This type of skin complexion is both unique and harder to determine which color of clothing looks best with it. The reason is that if you are a mixed tone your complexion will tend to change somewhat throughout the year. You may be one tone in the summer and a totally different tone in the winter. Because of this you can wear all the colors that look good with cool toned and warm toned individuals, you just have to take more care as to what your current tone is before you get dressed. Mixed toned individuals are generally on the warmer toned side but if you can tell when you have a sun burn or people can see you blush, then this describes you.

Whatever color you decide to wear with your dark complexion you should be comfortable in it. It is after all your body you are dressing up. But there is no reason why you can’t feel great and look your best and let some of the colors of the rainbow help you out. Being a darker complexion can be challenging when it comes to deciding what to wear, but knowing your tone ahead of time may help you to decide just a bit easier.

Larry the cable guy

How to Dress Like Larry the Cable Guy

Larry the cable guy

For years now he has captured the hearts of Americans everywhere with his catch phrase, ‘Git er done.’ Larry the Cable Guy has made a career out of dressing and acting like a stereotypical man from the south, or what he likes to call a ‘redneck.’ His style is definitely not hard to replicate and what’s so great about it is that there are so many men that can easily relate to Larry because he is just a regular looking guy.

Larry the Cable Guy’s ensemble never changes and here is what you need to achieve his look:

•    Shirt: Get a red and black flannel shirt and cut off the sleeves at the shoulders. This is Larry’s signature top and he is seen in it everywhere he goes. Make sure not to wear an undershirt as Larry never does, and make sure that the flannel is one size too small. This adds to the ‘redneck’ effect as it not only looks tighter, but will often expose part of your belly and if you have a ‘beer belly’ like Larry, then it adds to the shock value.

•    Jeans: Blue jeans are an absolute must with this look. Don’t go loose fit or boot cut and by all means stay far, far away from skinny jeans. Choose a pair of jeans that are tight but that will allow you to move. Larry always seems to stuff himself into jeans that may not be the loosest on him.

•    Belt: A black belt does the trick here but don’t forget the belt buckle. The belt buckle should be very big and very gaudy. A great place to pick one of these hilarious belt buckles up is at a highway truck stop. When it comes to your belt buckle, the bigger, the better.

•    Shoes:
Larry is always in work boots that are a dark tan color. These can be found at any department store. When you put them on, don’t worry about your jeans covering the boots, rather just let the jeans bunch up, that’s what Larry does.

•    Cap:
Don’t just grab any old baseball cap and call it a day here. You need to get a trucker cap or one that looks like it. The front half of the cap should be made of a bad polyester material and the back half of the cap should be mess. When you find the perfect cap, don’t forget to form the bill so that the sides are pointing straight down. The result should be a bill that is more squared off rather than rounded off.

•    Accessories:
A wallet with a chain works great with this look and you can finish off the look with a can of dipping tobacco in your back pocket and a pack of cigarettes in your front flannel pocket and the look is complete. If you don’t smoke or dip, don’t worry as it is not known for sure if Larry does either. It just adds to the image.

Now practice your southern accent and holler, ‘Git er done,’ every chance you get and your transformation into Larry the Cable Guy will be a big success.

1940s

How to Dress Like You Are From the 1940s

1940s

Without a doubt, the 1940s were dark times. The Second World War occupied the first half of the decade and this had a huge impact on everything from food to work to fashion. Everything was rationed, even clothing. In fact utility clothing and very little change in fashion dominated the first half of the decade due to the focus on the war efforts. Needless to say, there are lots of things about the 1940s that make it a unique decade. However at mid-decade the war ended, and things improved greatly after that. The clothing rationing ended and fashion once again came to life.

One thing that kept heads above water was the great fashions of the 1940s. There is no doubt that the 1940s were one of the greatest decades for fashion. All you need to do is look around and see that the styles from the era are still influential and popular today. It’s one of the greatest times in American fashion and people still love to dress in a way that pays homage to this bygone time.

In fact, all you need to do to dress like you’re from the 1940s is look at what you already have. Most of the clothes you have in your closet will have some trace of a 1940s influence. Modifying your own clothing to make it look more like the traditional 1940s style is a cost-effective way to get the look you desire. Here are some things to keep in mind if you are looking to create a 1940s look to your wardrobe.

•    Keep all skirts below the knee. Mini-skirts were not yet invented and modesty was highly valued. Women dressed like ladies and behaved like ladies.

•    Matching skirts and fitted jackets were a hot look from this era and one that looks good on practically all women.

•    High necked blouses were typical of the style of the day. Bows, frills and feminine ties often adorned necklines.

•    Hats were a very important fashion item. Women wore them often and had a variety to choose from.

•    Other accessories were equally important to pull together a finished look. Purses and gloves were the most common accessories. Jewelry was also used by increasing numbers of women. Scarves were often worn around the hair.

•    Ankle socks were often seen during this decade because stockings were in short supply.

•    High heels and wedge heels were a necessity for well-dressed ladies also.

•    For men, trousers, shirts and ties are typical of this era. Suits were worn quite a lot. Sweater vests with a V-neck were also a fashion statement of the day. In the late 40s Hawaiian shirts broke onto the fashion scene for men, creating a look that was very different than anything men had worn prior.

Dressing like you’re from the 40’s is a matter of a little research and mixing and matching things that you already have at home with some other items exclusive to that era. You can pull together a unique and fantastic 40s look in no time.

San Francisco

What To Wear In San Francisco In The Day

San Francisco

San Francisco is one of the most interesting cities in the United States to visit. It is a very picturesque big city, with hilly streets leading to a beautiful bay. The scenery is unlike practically any other place. Even the temperature is San Francisco is pleasant. Daily averages range from mid-50s to about 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore no matter what season you decide to go to San Francisco your wardrobe choices will be pretty much the same. Low rainfall accumulation also makes San Francisco a joy to visit. Expect fog, especially in the morning, so bring a jacket to keep warm before the sun burns through it.

San Francisco offers a lot to do in terms of outdoor activities. It has lots of parks and beaches to enjoy. Great surfing is found there too. It is a city very much full of sports enthusiasts, so be sure to bring sports clothes suitable for outdoor sports. Whether you are into running, biking, sailing or in-line skating, there are many great activities to enjoy in San Francisco. Whether or not you plan to exercise, be sure to bring comfortable sneakers or shoes for walking, because as you visit the city and its attractions you will be on your feet a lot.

The work environment of the San Francisco area is highly professional. It is the banking center of the United States and also is very active in technology and medical research. These highly specialized domains often demand business professional dress. However some companies are fine with a more business casual look, more common to California in general. If you are visiting San Francisco for business purposes, do your homework to find out about the culture of the companies you will visit.

The city of San Francisco is a very liberal place and is well-known for having a large gay and lesbian population. There is a gay village, many gay establishments and even many cultural events specifically for this sector of the population. Even many of the tourists who choose to visit San Francisco are gay and lesbian, as the city is a Mecca for many of them. High fashion is common in the gay community, as is some very flamboyant clothing. Such trends can be seen throughout the city. If you are into high fashion, San Francisco is definitely the place to wear it.

The standard of living is one of the highest in the nation, with a much higher than normal percentage of wealthy individuals and families living in San Francisco. High society events are prevalent and haute couture is seen often. Expect to see designer outfits on ladies who lunch, shop and even some of those in the workforce. If you are planning to frequent the high-end boutiques or upscale restaurants, be sure to bring along trendy clothes and great accessories from big name designers (or at least really good imitations).

Be ready for all the excitement of San Francisco by bringing along a variety of clothing from casual to formal. You never know what is waiting for you there.