Sock

How to Darn a Sock

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Sock

A common thing to do once your socks have holes in them is to throw them out and go get new ones, but did you know that you could save money and your socks by darning them? This doesn’t mean to belittle the socks by yelling at them and calling them names, but it is a process in which to repair the foot wear and make them as good, if not better, than new.

Darning a sock is not simply sewing up the hole as this would cause the sock to be mis-shapened and actually create a bump with the end result being a nasty blister where the bump resides. Darning is however a sewing technique and before the time of mass production it was a fairly common practice. You too can learn this method of sock saving and save yourself some money in the process.

Here are the steps to darn a sock:

1.    Get your supplies: Before you start to darn, you need the supplies to do so. You will need a darning needle, the proper thread, and a light bulb. For cotton or synthetic socks you will want to go with embroidery floss and if your socks are wool then you will want to go with, you guessed it, wool. The light bulb will be used in place of what is called a darning egg, which you can buy if you want to, and will keep the hole supported and make your repair much easier.

2.    Prepare the hole: Pull the sock over the light bulb, or darning egg, and gently cut away any jagged edges that the hole may have. Be sure not to make the hole any bigger than it already is though. Now thread the darning needle and get ready to go.

3.    Sew parallel: Begin by sewing a few running stitches above and to either side of the hole. Then push the darning needle through one end of the hole and make one large running stitch to the other side. Repeat this process until the hole is completely blocked up with parallel stitches.

4.    Sew vertical: Repeat the process going vertically this time. Be sure to weave in and out of the parallel stitches. Keep going until the hole is completely healed up.

It is important to note that you should not use any knots in your thread. If darned properly, knots are not necessary and will only add discomfort to you foot if used. You also need to be extremely careful when using a light bulb as opposed to an actual darning egg as too much pressure can be the cause of broken glass and thus lead to you having to go to the hospital to have your hand ‘darned’ up.

The key to successful darning is to get right after a hole once it has formed. Don’t wait until the hole is too big to work with and remember the old saying, ‘A stitch in time saves nine,’ meaning catch it early and save yourself some time and trouble.

Jamie Pressley

How to Dress Like Jamie Pressley

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Jamie Pressley

Jamie Pressley is perhaps one of the most versatile actresses performing today. She has done roles that portray her as a ‘bimbo’ and roles that require her to be serious. In 2007 Pressly was recognized for her accomplishments when she won an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her work on the hit television show My Name is Earl.  Off the screen Pressly is one of the most beautiful and daring when it comes to fashion. She looks equally as good in a dress for an awards show as she does when she is dressed in her more familiar jeans and t-shirt.

One thing she is not afraid to do is be different which makes her style a fun one to emulate. Here are some ways you too can be daring in your style:

•    Shoes: This is the best place to start because Jamie Pressly is known for her huge variety of shoes. She used her shoes to show her feminine side very well and is often seen in high heels and strappy stiletto sandals. When choosing your shoes, go funky with the colors. Pressly is always daring in this department and you should feel free to be as well.

•    Jeans: When not performing, Pressly is often seen in jeans. When you go for your jeans choose the kind that sit more on the hips, also known as hip-huggers, and go a little on the tight side if you are comfortable doing so. Pressly always wears hip-huggers that are tight but then again her perfect body allows for it. As often as she wears solid blues and blacks, she can also be found wearing all sorts of multi colored denims, so again don’t be afraid to get risky here.

•    Tops: Every once in a while you will find Pressly in a baby doll t-shirt, but more time than not the starlet will be sporting a tank top that is low cut and shows just a bit of her cleavage. Stay with lighter color tank tops and if you have the six-pack abs that she does you can employ the use of cropped tank tops as these are a favorite of hers.

•    Fancy: Even on the red carpet Pressly chooses to wear a dress that is cut to show off her shoulders and just a hint of cleavage. When you go formal, go with darker colors like grays and black and you can go full length or knee length on the dress as Pressly wears both. Don’t go too baggy with the dress as Pressly always wears form fitting dresses to her formal events.

•    Accessories: If you choose to accessorize, less is more. Pressly rarely wears anything other than simple earrings and a simple gold chain from time to time.

•    Hair and make-up: Do your hair in simple fun way whether it is long or short. Pressly does use quite a bit of make-up but applies it in a very tasteful manner. If you are not comfortable applying extra make-up have someone at the mall show you how to do it.

When mimicking Pressly’s style remember to experiment as much as you like, don’t be afraid to get a little funky, and above all else, have fun.

Raincoat

Buying Guide for Raincoats – Not all One and the Same

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Raincoat

Everyone needs a good raincoat for bad weather but many also like to have different styles of raincoats for fashion. When you consider buying your next raincoat there should be three things that should be taking into account. The first is what material you are looking for, the second is the style and length, and the third is zippers versus buttons.

Knowing what you are looking at and what you want goes a long way in determining what type of raincoat you will buy. Here is a further breakdown of the considerations from above:

1.    Material: Raincoats can be made of all rubber, all fabric, all synthetic, and a blend of any of the previous. The material you will want depends on what you intend on using the raincoat for. If you are going for pure functionality then an all rubber raincoat will keep the rain off of you much better than an all fabric raincoat but it isn’t something you would want to wear out or to the office. If you want a raincoat that will suite almost any occasion go with a blended material coat. While it won’t be waterproof, it will be water resistant and will also avoid having you look like a duck when you walk into your destination. Also keep in mind that some materials breathe better than others. If you are wearing a heavier material out when it is not raining and the sun is beating down on you then you will absolutely get wet, only it won’t be from the rain but rather your own sweat. If you are choosing a raincoat for show only, go with lighter materials.

2.    Style and length: When you choose the length of a raincoat you really only have to ask yourself how dry do you want be. If you buy a full length raincoat such as a trench coat, then your entire body will obviously keep dryer. If you go with a rain jacket then your upper body is likely to stay dry, but your legs may get damp. As for style you can really choose anything to your liking here. With raincoats you can go trench, poncho, button down, cuff, or even slicker. The best way to determine what you will want is to try them all on and make your decision from there.

3.    Zippers versus buttons: This does go with the fashion but also serves to the functionality of the coat as well. If you want to stay nice and warm on a really chilly and rainy winter day, then you will probably want to go with a zipper up raincoat as the zipper will help to keep more of your body heat trapped inside the coat than a button down coat will. Conversely, if you are stuck in the middle of a hot and humid summer shower a button down will serve for more breathability than that of the zipper up.

If you really like the look of raincoats and want to have one handy at all times then perhaps you should consider buying two different types. One for the times it is raining cats and dogs and the other for the times you simply want the coat to make a fashion statement.

French fashion

French Fashion Made Easy

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French fashion

Paris is the unquestionable fashion capital of the world. It’s no wonder that the women of Paris are some of the best dressed women on the planet. After all, they have to keep up their reputation of being beautiful and fabulous, right? Otherwise, they might have to move the fashion capital of Europe to some other, less illuminated European city. That, by French standards, would be positively tragic.

Women all over the world have spent thousands of dollars trying to look as put together and fashion-forward as a Parisian mademoiselle. For those with a little more cash at their disposal, they can go straight to the source and stock their wardrobes with one-of-a-kind pieces from French dwelling designer labels. Anyone can look French when dressed in head to toe haute couture.  But since most of us don’t have a six figure annual clothing budget, we have to get a little creative when it comes to recreating that ultra feminine look you see on the streets of Paris and in fashion magazines.

With a little bit of a padded wallet, you might even be able to hit up a consignment shop or thrift store and find an original Chanel suit or a Burberry coat. But the heart of French fashion is creativity and uniqueness. If you really want to dress like a French woman, it’s time to put a little bit of thought and originality into each ensemble.

Now, most of us don’t have an on-call live-in seamstress that can whip up our own personal designs at the drop of a hat. However, there are ways that every American woman can have a wardrobe full of French-inspired fashions that are all her own. Here are some tips on how to do so.

•    Make sure you invest in classic looks that are timeless. Trendy items are not typical to a French wardrobe. Choose classic styles and colors.
•    Know your body type and dress for it. If you have wide hips, downplay them by dressing the right way. If you’re a little overweight, focus on slimming techniques in your clothing choices.
•    Wear mostly solid colors, in neutral or dark shades. Bright colors do not always portray a French look, especially bright prints. However, if you want to interject some color into your outfits, do so with accessories, especially printed scarves.
•    Accessorize richly. Hats and sunglasses make for a great look. Scarves are an absolute necessity. Classic jewelry is also a chic touch. Be sure to invest in great shoes, purses and belts.
•    Classic tailored coats, A-line coats, blazers and shawls make the perfect French-inspired cover-up when things get chilly.
If you are lookin

Jeans

How to Care for Jeans

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Jeans

Jeans come in all shapes and sizes and nothing is more versatile when it comes to clothing. Jeans can be worn for just about any occasion and can be dressed up with a nice shirt or dressed down with a simple t-shirt. Jeans are even more popular these days because of the wide variety of colors that are available. Taking good care of your jeans will have you enjoying them for many years to come.

Because jeans are colored with indigo ink there will naturally be some color lost when you wash and dry them with your other garments. The best way to care for your jeans is to of course take them to dry cleaners, but this is too costly for most. With that in mind here are some tips to help you keep your jeans looking as good as possible:

•    Read the labels: All jeans come equipped with special care instruction sewn right in. Be sure that you read the labels as some jeans go against the norm and need to be washed in warm water as opposed to cold like most. Some jeans even say to dry clean only.

•    Don’t wash excessive pairs of jeans: Limit your jean washing to three or four pairs at a time. Because denim is heavy, too many jeans in the washer at the same time will diminish the effectiveness of the washer to clean the jeans. Instead of using more than three or four pairs of jeans, fill the remainder of the washer with lighter material clothing of the same color.

•    Inside out: This is perhaps the easiest trick to do. By turning your jeans inside out before you wash them you are lessening the impact felt by the jeans because of the washer’s agitator. This will help to keep your jeans from rapidly wearing down.

•    Be gentle: If you have jeans that have rips or holes in them use the gentle cycle to avoid making them any worse. Many jeans these days come pre-ripped and shredded and most of these will advise the gentle cycle on their care tags.
•    Avoid over drying: The more you dry denim the tighter it gets. Once your jeans are dry, take them out of the dryer immediately. Avoid over drying your jeans at all costs. Pay close attention to how long the dryer runs when your jeans are completely dry and make a note of the time so that the next time you will know how long to set the timer on the dryer for.

•    Avoid bleach: This sounds like a no brainer, but you would be surprised. Bleach can be found not only in the white plastic jugs these days, but also in many detergents. Bleach and jeans equals eighty’s music videos. If that is your goal, then go for it; otherwise make sure all forms of bleach stay far away from your jeans.

With proper care you and your jeans will look your best for many seasons to come. The only thing you will have to worry about is maintaining your weight so that you always slip comfortably into your favorite pair of jeans.

Liv Tyler

How to Dress Like Liv Tyler

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Liv Tyler
Liv Tyler has shown her grace and elegance for a number of years now on the Silver Screen; not bad for a kid who got her start on an Aerosmith video because her dad is Steven Tyler, lead singer. Liv Tyler has the uncanny ability to make almost anything she wears look fantastic. Her style is not a very tricky one to emulate and for that reason alone, many women like to dress like her.

Her simple approach to fashion makes Tyler all that more admired by women and dressing like her should be a fun endeavor. Here are some ways to get the Liv Tyler look for you:

•    Think jeans: Tyler can often be spotted in a great looking pair of form fitting jeans. When choosing your jeans never go tight as Tyler is indeed beautiful but never seems to feel the need to show off what she’s got. For the most part stick with solid color jeans but feel free to experiment here just a bit. Tyler wears the same size pants as her father and it has been reported that she often swipes a cool pair of rocker jeans from dear old dad.

•    Fun tops: Sky’s really the limit here as Tyler has worn just about every top with a pair of jeans that you can imagine. Go with frilly blouses that are made of lightweight materials or a nice tank top or even a nice button down shirt. Mix and match the color that looks best for you as Tyler really doesn’t have a preference and looks good in them all.

•    Dresses: Tyler also wears a lot of dresses that are casual and come down to the knees. With these she seems to prefer darker colors so go with browns and blacks.

•    Getting fancy: Tyler looks phenomenal on the red carpet and always wears a dark colored full length gown that is flowing. When dressing up for your big event, make sure to put your hair up but do so fashionably as Tyler usually shows up the award shows this way.

•    Shoes: Tyler is definitely not one of those starlets that likes to spend hundreds of dollars on one pair of shoes. Tyler can be seen in her classic Converse sneakers, flats, or even boots. She especially like the boots look with the fun dresses she wears while out and about.

•    Accessories: Like Tyler’s whole demeanor, she accessorizes very simply. Occasionally you may find her with a small gold chain on or some tasteful earrings, but that’s about it. When choosing your jewelry, think small and stay away from glitzy and flashy.

•    Hair and make-up: Tyler mostly wears her hair down and styles it very plainly. Style your hair but don’t take too much time in doing so. As for make-up, Tyler again is a less is more girl. She is often caught by the paparazzi without any make-up on whatsoever. When applying your make-up go light and go for the natural look.

While Liv Tyler’s style is easy to replicate, but her grace and elegance aren’t something you can just throw on; you’ll have to work at those.

Dwight Shrute

How to Dress Like Dwight Schrute

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Dwight Shrute

One of the most popular television shows in the last couple of years is The Office. One of the main characters on the show is Dwight Schrute, played by actor Rainn Wilson. Dwight works for the fictional company Dunder Mifflin Paper Company. Though he is one of the salesmen he continually tries to elevate himself to be seen as second-in-command to the office manager, Michael Scott. Dwight acts like a know-it-all, is relatively humorless, wants to be the boss of every one of his peers, and is quite gullible and is therefore often the target of pranks and tricks.

Dwight is one of the most popular characters on the show. His sense of fashion on the show works well to portray his nerdy nature as well as his hunger for authority, which he never truly claims. He has a unique sense of style that is easy and fun to imitate. Dressing like Dwight Schrute just takes a few simple steps.

A great place to shop for Dwight Schrute style clothing is a thrift or second-hand store. Dwight wears drab suits and basic shirts and ties and a thrift store would have just what you need to get his look.

When dressing like Dwight Schrute the first thing to get is a shirt. He prefers geeky short-sleeved, button down variety in colors such as mustard yellow, lime or olive green. To go with the shirt select a tie that doesn’t necessarily match the shirt. Dwight tends to go with mismatched items when he dresses.

The next important item is a suit. Thrift or bargain is the keyword here! Earth tones are big with Dwight as are off colors such as muted beige and gray and strange tones of brown and blue. If the sleeves are too short, that’s ok, that would fit Dwight’s style.

To really get the Dwight Schrute look you have to wear a pair of glasses. They can’t be fancy or with a designer label, they must be simple, preferably with simple frames and sort of an old school oval shape. You cannot get the Dwight look without the glasses!

Finally, when dressing like Dwight Schrute you have to get the hair right. Dwight does not necessarily have a full head of hair, but what he has is quite something! It’s somewhat unruly, looks like it needs to be cut, and is haphazardly parted down the middle. And don’t forget the sideburns. Dwight has sideburns that come down to the bottom of his earlobe. They’re not significantly large, but they are significant to his look. As far as hair goes, make sure you go sans facial hair. Dwight is always clean shaven.

Dwight Schrute, though a fictional character, is a popular guy with a huge following. Dressing like Dwight Schrute can be fun and funny. A few simple and inexpensive thrift store items will have you well on your way to looking the part of the Dunder Mifflin salesman.

1960s

Express Yourself By Dressing Like You’re from the 1960s

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1960s

Even today, we can’t get enough of 1960s fashion. The folks from the 1960s were so totally fabulous that they knew that the trends of the age would carry on for years to come. And they certainly have. Fashions trends from the 1960s just won’t die and that’s okay with us.
Unlike many of the previous decades, the 1960s didn’t see a single, overall style for the majority of the decade. The 60s were a tumultuous time in fashion as they were a tumultuous time in history. People changed what they were wearing significantly from one year to the next. Fashion was also determined by your social or political affiliations. The 1960s set the standard of how fashion trends change significantly from year to year.

To dress like you’re from the 60’s, make sure you opt for some of the following items.

– The miniskirt was a mainstay in the fashion world and took center stage throughout the decade. Therefore it is a very important item of clothing to wear for the 60’s look. The 1960s introduced the miniskirt which has since taken the fashion world by storm. To this day, the miniskirt is yet to die out. It merely fades away for a few years, but them comes back with a vengeance.

– Patent leather white go-go boots, paired with a mini-skirt was the ultimate threat. Historically, women’s fashions had been about modesty and propriety. However, they definitely said their final goodbyes in the 60s. Shorter was better in the 60s, especially for the younger generation. If you are looking for a hip 60’s look, go-go boots are a must.

– Another must-have is tights. Stockings with garters finally died in the 60’s and pantyhose, which resembled today’s tights, replaced them. They were so much more comfortable that they became an instant hit.

– Dresses were definitely still a popular choice for women in the 1960’s. Slim fitting sheath dresses that fall just below the knee were a hit in the early part of the decade and make a great choice if you are striving for that look. Stiletto heels and a pillbox type hat will complete the look.

– Another popular dress style in the 60s was A-line dresses. They were often paired with an A-line coat to complete the look. This ensemble is a perfect dress-up 60’s look.

– Interesting necklines on tops and dresses is also typical of the 60’s. Boat necklines, princess necklines, V-necks and decorative touches to the top of shirts, even ones trimmed with fur, are great choices for the look you are striving for.

– Trousers first became acceptable for women to wear in the 1960’s. This means tailored pants, capris, shorts and culottes matched with casual blouses are a great look to emulate too.

The 1960s were a turning point for fashion in so many ways. For this reason alone, it is a great era to adopt. After all, it’s time for 60s fashions to make a strong come back.

Houston

What To Wear In Houston

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Houston

Houston is a bustling city,  and is in fact the biggest city in the state of Texas and amongst the 5 biggest in the country. It experiences nice weather year-round and those living there have the luxury of not needing to worry about snow. The temperature greatly affects the fashion styles you see there. However there are many other influences also on Houston fashion. If you are going there it is important to know what to wear.

Houston is home to more Fortune 500 companies than any other American city, with the exception of New York City. This fact impacts the way people dress in the city. If you are there on business, be prepared to dress professionally or at least business casual. Be sure to research the company you are visiting to make sure you are dressed appropriately. If the company has a professional environment, the choices are obvious: a suit for men and for women a skirt or pants suit with hose and dress shoes. If it is business casual, dig a little deeper to see exactly what that means. If in doubt, err on the side of conservatism. Houston is known for its conservative dress in the workplace.

For anyone heading to Houston on vacation, you will need to check the weather before you go. The winter has typical temperatures in the 60s during the day and 40s at night. Therefore it is necessary to bring along some warm clothes and a jacket. In the summer temperatures are up in the 90s in the day and 70s at night. Shorts, T-shirts, tank shirts and anything lightweight are perfect. Just remember to bring along a long-sleeved lightweight sweater also as indoor locations are air conditioned and you may be too cold.

If you are planning to attend a wedding, shows or other special events, be prepared to dress up. Houston is a city with wealthy neighborhoods and many people who are passionate about fashion. You will see individuals in designer outfits if you happen to attend certain events. Even many Houston restaurants will require proper dress, meaning no shorts or tank tops and often even a jacket for men. Certain nightclubs are also the scenes for designer duds.

Sports are huge in Houston. Almost every type of professional sports teams is represented. This tells you that the city is made of up a large percentage of people passionate about sports. If it is game time, you can bet that the style is team clothes and things like team jerseys, T-shirts, hats and jackets can be seen in every walk of life throughout the city.

There is a distinct college influence to fashion in Houston. Home to over 60 colleges and universities, there are more than 350,000 college students in the city. This means that young fashion trends, jeans, T-shirts and casual wear are in abundance.

One simply can’t forget the influence of the state of Texas on what to wear in Houston. Cowboy hats are prominent and are an accepted accessory in many places whether the wearer is in jeans or a 3-piece suit. So grab you 10-gallon hat and head out to a city that combines sophistication and the Texas lifestyle.

Kristen Dunst

How to Dress Like Kristen Dunst

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Kristen Dunst

Ever since her role as Claudia in Interview with a Vampire, Kristen Dunst has been blazing a trail in the movies that eventually lead all the way to becoming Spider Man’s girlfriend. She is a brilliant actress but has found herself on both sides of the fashion fence being on many Hollywood best dressed lists as well as many worst dressed lists. Her style of dressing is an achievable one if you are not afraid to let your awkward side show now and then.

Dunst may be quirky at times, but she also has the ability to dress to impress when hitting the red carpet. Here are some tips to get you a bit closer to the Dunst look:

•    Dark Colors: Dunst is often dressed from head to toe in all black. She can be spotted in black pants with a nice black shirt or even a black dress. When choosing your black garments go for form fitting but don’t go too tight. For shoes you can go with anything black.

•    Ultra casual: At times you can catch Dunst wearing what most of America wears. It is not uncommon to see her strolling down the street in blue jeans, a t-shirt and a baseball cap. Try to match the cap to the shirt and make sure that the jeans are a loose fit; the main thing with this look is to be comfortable. Dunst tends to look very frumpy when she is just out and about so you shouldn’t feel like you have to be dressed to impress to be able to pull off this look. For shoes here you can simply go with a nice cozy pair of sneakers.

•    Go formal and flowing: When Dunst hits the red carpet she is almost always wearing a long and flowing gown made of light weight materials. Go with a darker color here as Dunst shows up in anything from gold to beige to black. Your shoes should be high heels that match your dress color and your accessories should consist of little more than a bracelet, necklace, and some modest earrings.

•    Accessories: Dunst loves to carry designer hand bags. If you can’t afford designer go with a close looking knock off and feel free to go either big or small as Dunst has done both. Dunst like to be creative when she accessories so go wild here. She has been seen in flapper style head bands, scarves, and even suspenders.

•    Hair and make-up: Dunst obviously does her hair and make-up when she is on the red carpet, but her make-up is always on the lighter side and she comes off looking very natural. Her hair is usually left down and done in a very simplistic way. If you want to pull off the hair look totally, wear it down, sweep it to the side and get a barrette to finish off the look.

Now just flash a smile as nice as Dunst’s and you will be ready to set the world on fire dressed like Kristen Dunst.

Underwear

When Thongs are Wrong – Underwear Alternatives that aren’t Granny Panties

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Underwear

There are many times in a woman’s life when she may want to wear a pair of thong underwear as that is what she is used to, but a certain situation dictates otherwise. Perhaps it is inappropriate at her place of work, her place or worship, or maybe her child’s school. Whatever the case may be there are times when a thong is wrong, but what are some underwear alternatives for women that aren’t granny panties?

Just because you can’t wear a thong doesn’t mean you have to go with the fluffy white cotton granny panties. In fact there are so many alternatives these days that you never have to wear granny panties again if you don’t want too. Here are some alternatives to wearing your thong:

•    Bikini: You can always go with a nice pair of bikini panties as an alternative to a thong. Bikini panties are made to ride on the hips and fit in a snug fashion so they won’t bunch up like the traditional granny panties do. Bikini panties can be very comfortable as they will fit you, as the name implies, like your bikini bottoms would. You can even go with a string bikini cut which still sits on the hips but the sides of the panties are reduced to a string. This decreases the chance of panty lines appearing on the sides and tends to fit and feel more like a thong.

•    Hipsters: Hipsters obviously rest on your hips and are another great alternative to thongs. They tend to cover the hips a bit more than the bikini panties do and there is also a little more coverage in the rear. The only drawback to so much coverage is an increased chance of seeing panty lines. You also have the dreaded riding up of the panties that can occur which leads to the ever embarrassing wedgey pick.

•    Boyshorts: Boyshorts are a great alternative to a thong and are usually a bit more comfortable as opposed to the hipsters and bikini panties. Boyshorts sort of resemble men’s briefs but are meant to fit snuggly and offer great coverage in the rear without the hassle of riding up.

•    Cheekees: Similar to boyshorts in that they offer great coverage in the rear they are called cheekees for a reason. Usually cheekees are not as snug fitting as boyshorts and because the cut is different, cheekees tend to let, well, your cheeks begin to show.

•    Commando: Another alternative to wearing a thong is wearing nothing at all or ‘going commando’ as they say. While it is an alternative and you certainly won’t have to worry about panty lines, if a thong is inappropriate for an occasion, then going commando would be a cardinal sin.

Just because a thong is not in order it doesn’t mean that you can’t still wear a comfortable pair of panties. With all the options that are available these days, the death of the every hated granny panties are only a matter of time.

Anchorage

What To Wear in Anchorage

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Anchorage

Anchorage is the biggest city in the United States’ most northern and coldest state, Alaska. Its citizens make up over 40% of the state’s population. This beautiful city offers amazing scenery, parks, wildlife and outdoor activities that are unparalleled in many other parts of the country. Anchorage is considered to have a sub arctic climate, which can be witnessed by its long winters and short summers. Winter days are very short and very cold with the sun appearing very little, while summer days are characterized by very little darkness and a cool temperature.

Visiting Anchorage during their very long winter definitely requires preparation. Heavy winter coats are a must. Thermal gloves or mittens, hats, scarves and lined winter boots are also necessary. In fact the temperature can get so low that winter clothes that would prove to be fine in many other places does little to protect you from the cold. If you live in the Southern portion of the United States and are planning a winter expedition to Alaska, be prepared to purchase outerwear that may be hard to find in your part of the country.

Visiting Anchorage in summer for most people will require fall or spring outfits. For Southerners, summer in Anchorage means wearing winter in the south clothes. Long pants and shirts, light jackets and even a warm sweater for chilly days and nights are ideal. There is very little occasion for tank tops, shorts, swimsuits (unless your hotel has a pool) or flip flops. That is not to say that you won’t see Alaskan residents wearing such things but if you are unfamiliar with such tepid summer temperatures, chances are you won’t be comfortable scantily dressed in 60 degree weather.

Much of the attraction of visiting Alaska is exploring the unique geography of the area. In order to do so it is important to wear appropriate footwear, such as newer lightweight hiking shoes or good sturdy sneakers. Wear several layers of clothing, including a synthetic layer closest to the skin to keep you dry, comfortable and warm. A waterproof exterior layer is also a very good choice. A hat and sunglasses are very important, especially during the long periods of daylight in the summer. Wear sunscreen to protect your skin also.

Even though Anchorage is a city, due to the temperature and the lifestyle in Alaska, high fashion is not commonly seen. It is much more important for people to dress according to the temperature than to be on the cutting edge of fashion. The predominance of outdoor activities like fishing, hunting and hiking that people spend their free time doing are not typically activities that one tends to dress up for. Casual dress for both men and women is acceptable. Jeans and a sweater can take you most places. Business casual is the norm for most work environments, however be sure to check how a company defines business casual before showing up overdressed or even worse, underdressed.

No matter when you go to Anchorage, you can be sure that you will need some warm clothes, how warm exactly will depend on the season. Relax and forget about fashion while you enjoy the unspoiled nature around Anchorage.

Halle Berry

How to Dress like Halle Berry

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Halle Berry

When it comes to looking great on every occasion, Halle Berry fits the bill. This is probably because this actress is a former model and former Miss Ohio Beauty Queen. Berry has taken all that she has learned early on and transcended it into a sexy yet simple fashion that few can rival. Her look is not hard to achieve and for that reason many women try their best to dress like Halle Berry.

Here are some sure fire ways to help you achieve the Halle Berry look:

•    Tops: When choosing tops, go with blouses that sport hot details like animal prints. These blouses should be made of a fine fabric and if you want to be like berry, they should also be flowing. Don’t be afraid to show a little cleavage here as Berry often does, just do it in the same tasteful way that she does. Solid colors should be neutral. Colors like browns, pinks, black, and peaches are often seen on Berry and compliment her skin tone very nicely.

•    Pants: Here you can go with anything from jeans to leather pants or anything in between as Berry has been seen in everything. She always wears form fitting but never goes to tight. When you pick out your pants, make sure that they are a comfortable fit but that you can still breathe in them. Here again, Berry has the knowhow to come off looking casual and stunning all at the same time.

•    Shoes: Berry has been seen in anything from sneakers to ankle boots and even high heels. The color of the shoes should generally match what you are wearing, but really in this department, anything that is tasteful goes.

•    Accessories: Berry always wears sunglasses when out and about. Choose sunglasses that have a tint of color rather than solid dark black. Berry’s favorite tint is rose colored and she is often seen wearing these style of sunglasses. When it comes to jewelry go simple. Berry never goes gaudy or big and instead stays with the simplest of things like small diamond studded earrings and simple, non-flashy rings and bracelets.

•    Fancy wear: When the red carpet calls, Berry always answers by wearing soft luxurious gowns that are long and flowing. Again, to emulate Berry choose neutral colors and show a bit of tasteful cleavage.  Finish off the look with a nice pair of solid color high heels with an open toe and when you accessorize, remember to go simplistic.

•    Hair and make-up: Berry used to have her hair cut short and cute, but has since let it grow out and extenuates the length with sexy curls. If you have short hair style it as fashionable as possible and try to give it some lift as Berry did. If you have long hair stay on the simplistic side and give it some curl for the full effect. Like almost everything else on Berry, her make-up is not over-done and stays on the simple side.

Halle Berry is a perfect example that you can look sexy and elegant at the same time. Practice her simple methods of dressing and you too can achieve this look.

Strength training shoes

Guide to Strength Training Shoes

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Strength training shoes

If you’ve ever seen a pair of strength or calf training shoes then you have seen something that looks like it comes straight from outer space. The shoes look totally non-functional and have a higher front platform that goes from the toe to about the middle of the arch of the foot. The shoes are definitely not something you would want to wear for a night out on the town and they really look like they would be the most uncomfortable things in the world to wear. But if you are an athlete, you may find them invaluable.

More and more professional athletes are coming forward and giving their stamp of approval for these high tech wonders. Why? According to these athletes and the makers of the shoes, training in strength building shoes can increase all sorts of aspects of your athletic ability.

Here’s how they work. When you stand you are normally putting up to two thirds of your entire body weight on your heels. With the raised frontal platform of the strength building shoes, this is impossible and you have to rely on your calf muscles and Achilles tendons to bear the extra load. This in turn actually overloads them and when used properly over time the muscles will build and the tendons will stretch.

Here are some of the things that strength building shoes can help you to achieve:

•    Speed: By increasing lower leg strength these shoes can have you running considerably faster. Some athletes report a drop off of up to two tenths of a second in the 40-yard dash. Now to the layman that may not sound like a lot, but to the athlete that can mean the difference of making the team or being cut.

•    Jumping: By properly training with these types of shoes it is not unusual for you to gain up to 10 inches on your vertical jump. Think about that for a second. That’s almost an entire foot. That can mean a great deal to someone who is playing basketball and needs to jump as high as possible.

•    Flexibility: The increase in lower leg flexibility will help you to avoid some of the most common injuries in sports.

Strength training shoes are not just popular among professional athletes anymore and more and more you can see college teams employing the use of these shoes to help improve their teams overall success. These types of shoes can be effective for almost any athlete regardless of their sport and have been seen in training with football teams, soccer teams, baseball teams, and basketball teams.

The price you will pay will depend on the brand but you can expect to pay $125 or more for these training shoes. Are they worth it? They definitely will help you to improve your game, no matter what it is, but you have to be sure that you are using the shoes the right way. Most companies that sell the shoes also provide helpful tips and training DVDs. But if you buy the shoes without any tips or DVDs to go along with them, just be sure to research on your own the proper way to use them and then enjoy your increased athletic abilities.

How to Dress Like a Skater Girl

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First there was Gwen Stefani and then later on there was Avril Lavigine. While neither gets full credit for the look there is no denying that these two music icons gave new life to the skater girl look and it has been gaining momentum ever since. The look sort of incorporates a wide variety of fashion and mixes punk, skater, and surfer all together in one convenient look. If you want to dress like a skater girl you need to be ready for plenty of looks as the fashion statements of these skater chicks is very outlandish at times. Still it can be a fun way to go through the day.

To pull off the skater girl look, bring plenty of attitude and follow these tips:

•    Pants: To pull off the skater girl look you only need to buy one type of pants – cargo. Baggy is the word here and if they are a little bit too long, that just adds to the look. These days it is not unusual to see some skater girls wearing skinny jeans but if you decide to go with this look, be sure you can pull it off. Skinny jeans usually look off unless you are skinny to begin with. On the other hand, cargo pants are easy to find and comfy to boot.

•    Skirts: Want to be a skater girl but still keep your feminine side intact? You can go with all kinds of tennis type skirts and compliment them with some wild colored leggings to complete the look. Many skater girls like the black and red checkered ‘school girl’ skirts, but any shorter skirt will do the trick.

•    Shirts: Go nuts here because really anything goes. Tank tops make for a good mix with cargo pants and if you want to go with the skirt option then you can go with a white short sleeved button down shirt.

•    Shoes: Leave the high heels at home and grab some skater shoes. A very popular type of skater girl shoe is the classic Converse high tops. If you are wearing a skirt, you can get really risqué and go for a pair of calf-high black leather boots.

•    Accessories: This too is really wide open. Some skater girls like studded bracelets and others wear vests and even men’s ties that are shorn up loosely. The whole idea behind this look to appear as if you really don’t care how you look. Avoid flashy jewelry as it will definitely clash with the look.

•    Hair and make-up: To look the part of a skater girl, you can’t go all out with your hair. If you have long hair, then part it in the middle and simple let it hang down. If your hair is short you can use some gel to give it some spiky lift for that edgy punk rocker look. When it comes to applying your make-up, go light and go with dark colors. Don’t go all black as that may have you coming off as gothic, but darker colors are definitely key.

Now couple that don’t care look with a don’t care attitude and you will be all set in your quest of being like a skater girl.

Jacksonville

What To Wear In Jacksonville Florida

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Jacksonville

Jacksonville is one of the biggest cities in the South. Geographically it is very spread out and while it is on the ocean, one may drive more than a half hour to get from one point in Jacksonville to the beach. Because of this it is not the typical beach town. In fact the city is becoming more and more of a study in contrasts, as there are many different styles and influences in this Northeast Florida city. Big business, a busy downtown, a relaxed beach environment, a small town feel in certain areas, an inner city and wealthy neighborhoods all combine to make up the diversity there.

Where you are in the city and what you are doing will have a huge influence on what you wear in Jacksonville. However one thing is the same citywide. The number one rule of dressing in Jacksonville is layering. Regardless of the season or the occasion, it is important to layer or at least bring an extra layer of clothes with you. In winter, toasty warm days lead to evenings that demand a coat. Brisk winter mornings lead to warm midday sunshine that leaves you too hot if you are wearing the same thing you started the day with. Even in summer, it is important to bring something long-sleeved with you any time you will be inside for an extended period of time because many places have air conditioners running at full capacity when it’s hot outside.

For most of the year, Jacksonville is hot and humid. Therefore your wardrobe should be made up of lightweight fabrics. Even if you are choosing business wear, there are always lightweight options available. It’ll make for much more comfortable days. If you plan to be outside, consider opting for light colored clothes also. It’ll attract less heat than black or other dark colors.

In Jacksonville, winter is short and greatly resembles Indian Summer, for those who are not lucky enough to live in a snow-free zone. You will need a light jacket for a few winter days and for most winter evenings. However, for much of the winter, long sleeved shirts and long pants will keep you comfortably warm. Heavy jackets and winter boots are never needed, much to the pleasure of those who have moved to Jacksonville from colder climates.

For a casual look, shorts and capris are always a hit. You’ll be comfortable in the heat wearing either. In fact, a dressy pair of capris can take you almost anywhere: out to dinner, to work, to church or on a date. When it comes to shorts, where you are going will determine the shorts you wear. Short shorts are great for the beach and some of the open air Jacksonville nightspots, however they are not appropriate for most other places. Long shorts like Bermudas or cargo shorts are much more versatile and can be seen in almost all locales. However, a good portion of businesses still have a no shorts at work rule.

Jacksonville is a very outdoorsy city, with a multitude of parks and beaches that are perfect for playing outside. Casual clothing and lightweight sports clothes are the items of choice for a day outside. In fact, the city overall has a very laid back feeling. Certain restaurants, churches and special events like weddings and charity fundraisers tend to call for dressy outfits, but in most neighborhoods on most days, fashion is very relaxed.

Pretty much anything goes for Jacksonville outfits, as long as it’s not too heavy. Remember that sweater and you’ll be ready for just about anything.

Natalie Portman

How to Dress Like Natalie Portman

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Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman has been an actress since 1994 and has gained much acclaim for her role as Padme in the pre-quill series of the Star Wars saga. Portman is an unbelievable beauty and she looks great no matter what she wears. While she can definitely hang with the best of them on the red carpet, Portman also knows how to dress down but still look great. Even though Portman was not born in the United States, she has an image of the All-American girl and she pulls it off flawlessly.

Women everywhere want to mimic her style and fashion whether it is for being casual or going out for a night on the town. Here are some ways that you too can achieve the look of Natalie Portman:

•    Going casual: When Portman takes the casual route she really commits. She is often seen in some nice jeans and either a cool looking tank top or a regular t-shirt. When you go for this look, be sure to stay with darker blues for the jeans and mix and match the tops with darker colors like reds, browns, and blacks. Be expressive with your t-shirts and don’t be afraid to get ones that have cute sayings on them. One of Portman’s favorite t-shirts that she wears is a play on words form the movie Star Wars. The shirt is a simple black t-shirt that says ‘Stop Wars.’

•    Formal: Portman goes tight and short for these types of occasions. Of course she has the body for it, but she always opts to wear dresses that are either strapless or that at least expose her shoulders. At times she even exposes a tasteful amount of cleavage. Like her casual wear, she tends to stick to reds, blacks, and other darker colors.

•    Shoes: Portman is almost always wearing heels. Sometimes the heels will the open toe type and sometimes they will be closed toe, it just all depends on what outfit she is wearing. Choose your shoes by outfit and of course make sure that the color compliments what you are wearing.

•    Accessories: Portman doesn’t seem to be a big fan of accessories. She is rarely seen wearing any except for a pair of earrings. She does at times wear things in her hair like head bands and scunciis to help hold her hair up on a casual day but other than that there is really nothing.

•    Hair and make-up: Portman is about 50/50 on whether she wears her hair up or down. She always seems to be styling it differently, so just go with a style you are comfortable with and that you know makes you look amazing. Portman pulls of the natural beauty look without any problems and doesn’t generally use a lot of make-up. Be sure to go light with your application and never choose a dark color lipstick as this will ruin the illusion.

Whether you are just hanging out or going out for an evening on the town, dressing like Natalie Portman will always have you looking you absolute best.

Toga

How to Make a Toga

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Toga

A toga is essential wear for any college student who is going to attend a Greek Party or a Toga Party. If you have yet to attend a Toga Party you will more than likely attend one, or two, before your college days are over. You know the kind of outfit a toga is if you ever saw the movie Animal House. If you haven’t, don’t worry because a step by step series of instructions follow.

To make a toga you only need a plain white bed sheet that is not the kind with the elastic to fit the bed, twin size usually works best, a few safety pins, and to follow these simple steps:

1.    Before you begin to create your toga you need to make sure that you are wearing the proper undergarments. For ladies, a strapless white tube wop will do the trick and white shorts for your lower half. Guys can get away with only wearing a pair of white shorts. Of course you could always go in the raw underneath your toga but depending on how wild the party gets, that may be a choice you later regret.

2.    Making your toga begins with taking the corner of the bed sheet in one hand and holding it on top of one of your shoulders. You will want to leave approximately six to eight inches to spare.

3.    Drape the sheet across your chest and be sure that it is snug. Now tuck it under the opposite arm.

4.    Adjust the length. Here is where you want to adjust the length if it is too long. You will know if it is as you will be tripping over the sheet. The ideal length for a toga is knee length so what you can do is fold the sheet over a few inches and re-drape it to create a shorter fit. Repeat the process until it is at its ideal length for you.

5.    Wrap the sheet around to your back and then tuck under your arm and come back to the front again.

6.    Now you will see what to do with the other corner of the sheet. From here you take the second corner that will be in back of you and bring it up over your back. Now the two corners can be tied in a knot or they can be fastened with a safety pin or even a broach.

7.    Finish by securing the different layers with safety pins and be sure that the safety pins are hidden and not in plain sight.

8.    Top off the look with a pair of calf high sandals and you can even go as far as making a u-shaped headpiece with leaves and wear that at the party for the truly authentic look.

Now you will be ready to go into the Greek Party looking as good as John Belushi did in Animal house. For those of you that haven’t seen it yet, go rent it, it is a timeless classic and will show you exactly what you have to look forward to.

Push-up bra

How to Decide if a Push-Up Bra is Right for you

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Push-up bra

Push-up bras are not just suited for women that have small breasts anymore. Women of all breast shapes and sizes can benefit from push-up bras. A push-up bra can give a much needed lift to sagging breasts and can also create some wanted cleavage for a multitude of breast sizes. For many women, a push-up bra is the perfect solution to give the appearance of fuller, shapelier breasts, without having to go through cosmetic surgery. There are times however when a push-up bra may not be right for you, so how do you know if a push-up bra is the way you want to go?

Many women choose a push-up bra because they want a more flattering side profile or silhouette. In order to create what many consider the most flattering of silhouettes, your nipples should sit half way between your elbow and your shoulder. If your breasts are naturally much lower than this, a push-up bra is the perfect solution.

Many times knowing if a push-up bra is for you or not comes down to overall comfort. If you are wearing a push-up bra it is obviously going to ‘push’ on your breasts. Wearing the wrong type of push-up bra may do you more harm than good. Sure your breasts will receive a lift, but at the expense of your comfort.

The type of push-up bra you need comes down to how well endowed you are:

•    Flat Chest: If you weren’t given much to work with in the first place, then a push-up bra can be a nice way to make due with what you have. In your case, a padded push up bra will not only give your breasts a boost, but it can add to the overall volume appearance. There are even some types of padded push up bras that are filled with air, silicone, or other types of filling that can add an entire cup size.

•    Average Chest: You may not be looking for added volume, but you may be looking for an added boost. You should go with push-up bras that only have padding in the lower third of the bra cup as this will give the lift you desire without adding any volume.

•    Large Chest: When it comes to breasts, the bigger they are, the lower they fall. Time and gravity will pull full breast downward and a boost up is great for your confidence as well as your appearance. No need for any padding here, just stick to a supportive contour to get the desired lift you are after. Another consideration for you is to get a push-up bra with padded straps as this will help distribute the weight of your breasts better and keep you more comfortable.

Not sure what you are looking for, you can always go to a pro. There are a number of stores and boutiques that offer a wide range of push-up bra styles. When all else fails, ask one of the sales associates for help.

Just remember, when it comes to push-up bras, comfort is king. There is no reason to have your breast lifted if you are going to be in pain the entire time the push-up bra is on.

Boxers or briefs

The Age Old Question – Boxers or Briefs

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Boxers or briefs

It is the timeless question that is asked to so many, ‘boxers or briefs?’ This seems to be a loaded question these days as now there are many different types of underwear that a man can choose from. Today’s underwear world has the likes of:

•    Thongs: Yes for guys too, but really, are you concerned about your ‘panty lines?’
•    Bikini briefs: Again, sounds like it are for the ladies and they really don’t appear to be all that cozy.
•    Edible: If this is your bag, keep it to yourself.

Even though there are several other types of underwear these days, these two styles remain the most popular and which type of underwear you wear can say a lot about you. While it really all comes down to comfort, the following breaks down the main differences between boxers and briefs and what it says about you:

•    Boxers: The old boxer style underwear seems to be the underwear of choice by most men. Not that it is a hard fast rule, but it seems that men that are in their early 20s to mid 30s wear boxers as opposed to briefs. This could be because the women in their lives prefer it them or it may just boil down to peer pressure. Boxers wear more like shorts than they do underwear and it may be this feeling of freedom that sways many of the younger generation to wear them.

•    Briefs: These are also known as tighty-whiteys. As far as men go, these are typically worn by those in their late 30s and beyond. This could be that they are just used to their women and simply don’t care about peer pressure anymore but it is really probably because they are more comfortable for them. Briefs do after all ‘hold’ everything in much better than the boxers do. Briefs have really received a bad rap as the ‘boring’ underwear but many brands these days are anything but white and cotton or boring. They now come in a wide variety of colors and fabrics so if you haven’t considered wearing briefs in a while, you may want to take another look as the times have definitely changed.

•    Boxer briefs: Ah, least you forget about the boxer briefs. If you are on the fence about what type of underwear to get check these out as they offer the best of both worlds. Boxer briefs wear like boxer shorts, but hold like briefs. This type of underwear seems to be preferred by athletes, but with such a variety of colors and styles, they are quickly gaining popularity among all men.

Whatever type of underwear you prefer, you should always make sure to have clean ones with no holes. There is really no excuse to have either boxers or briefs or any other type for that matter that are stained and full of holes. It is also unacceptable if you are a grown man to have underwear featuring super heroes or Sponge Bob, leave those types of Under Roos for the kids, you had your turn.

Again, it all comes down to what is the most comfortable for you. One man’s pain is another man’s pleasure. So which is it, boxers or briefs?