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Mardi Gras 1

What to Wear to Mardi Gras

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Mardi Gras 1

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

Mardi Gras colors

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

Comfortable Clothing

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

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

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

Shoes

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

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

Corset

What to Wear with a Corset

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Corset

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

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

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

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

Gladiator shoes

What to Wear with Gladiator Shoes

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Gladiator shoes

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

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

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

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

Black jeans

How to Look Fabulous in Black Jeans

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Black jeans

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

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

Sexy legs

Sexy Alternatives to Showing Your Bare Legs

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Sexy legs

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

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

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

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

Polo shirts

What to Wear with Polo Shirts

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Polo shirts

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

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

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

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

Chinos

What to Wear with Chinos

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Chinos

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

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

WOMEN

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

MEN

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

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

Vest

What to Wear with a Vest (for the Ladies)

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Vest

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cufflinks

How and When to Properly Wear Cufflinks

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Cufflinks

Cufflinks are usually worn on a formal occasion with a formal shirt and because they come in such a wide variety of styles it is extremely easy for you to be able to express yourself and stand out at a formal event as well. Many people shy away from cufflinks because they simply don’t have any idea of how they work and may have the impression that they are too hard to work with. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Mastering the cufflink is as easy as mastering the swivel post. Once you get that the rest is gravy. You will know what a swivel post is as soon as you see it. It will be on the underside of the decoration of the cufflink and will ‘swivel’ open to form what looks like the letter ‘T.’ Here is how to properly wear cufflinks:

•    Put the formal shirt on: Start by putting your formal shirt on and then lining up the cuffs. You don’t want the cuffs to overlap in the way that a button cuffed shirt does but instead you want the cuffs to be back to back.
•    Slide the cufflink in: Once the cuffs are aligned you simply slide in the cufflink and when it has gone through both cuffs you open up the swivel post of the cufflink. This will form that ‘T’ and securely hold the cuff in place.
•    Check the face: Once you have both cufflinks secure be sure that the decorative face is out as that is the part that everyone will see. If the decorative face is to the inside then you are defeating the entire purpose of the cufflink.

When should you wear cufflinks?

There is no hard and fast rule as to when you can and cannot wear cufflinks. Traditionally they are reserved for the most formal of occasions such as weddings where a tuxedo is in order and they are still the norm at these types of events today. But the popularity of these decorative pieces has opened up the world of cufflink wearing.

Many people like to wear a pair of jeans and a nice shirt that uses cufflinks for a simple night out on the town. This is great because you can really express yourself with the types of cufflinks you choose. Today cufflinks can be found in many styles which include gems and other decorative fashions. To a great extent, the type of cufflink you wear says a lot about your personality.

Others that are in a more professional environment of work, such as lawyers and stockbrokers can find themselves wearing cufflinks on a more frequent basis. These people tend to wear cufflinks to look a bit more sophisticated as opposed to trying to express themselves.

For the most part though cufflinks have hit the mainstream and there is really no time that wearing a nice pair isn’t appropriate unless you are at the beach or the pool. Because wearing them is really as easy as one, two, three, once you start wearing them you will never want to wear a shirt with buttons on the cuffs again.

Nap

How to Take a Nap without Wrinkling Your Clothes

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Nap

How many times have you found yourself alone in your office and you can hardly keep your eyes open? You’re so tired that you feel like your eyelids weigh about 100 pounds each and that couch in your office is calling out your name. Sometimes when this happens, if you have nothing pressing for the next little while a great thing to do is get in a power nap for about 15 to 20 minutes. Many times that’s all it takes to recharge your batteries and make you as fresh as a morning daisy. Here’s the problem…how do you take a nap without wrinkling your clothes?

Cat naps are great, but wrinkled clothes are a business no, no so you have to go about your napping in just the right way. Here are some ways that you can catch some much needed Zs and still maintain your wardrobe:

•    Nap at your desk: You remember how to do this right? Back in the days of high school when you stayed up way too late. Just as you did then simply stay at your desk and put your elbows up on the desk. Now rest your forehead in the palms of your hands and close your eyes. This will keep your clothes fresh and your hair unaltered but it will leave you with red marks on your forehead for a few minutes so make sure that you don’t wake up two minutes before your next meeting.
•    Remove clothing: No this is not a suggestion to nap in the raw, but if you can, remove some articles of clothing and hang them up while you nap. Remove jackets and even shirts so long as you have an undershirt and hang them up so that they will still look great once your nap is over.
•    Bring napping clothes: If you are in the position of being able to close and lock your office door, then plan ahead and bring a pair of shorts and a t-shirt from home to just leave at the office. Call these you napping clothes. Now whenever you get the chance to catch some shut eye you can quickly change into your napping clothes and keep your work clothes crisp and clean.
•    Invest in wrinkle releaser: There is a wonderful product out now called wrinkle releaser and it, well, releases wrinkles. This product is simply sprayed onto the clothing while you are wearing it and then you pull down on the material and watch the wrinkles go away. It’s not perfect but it beats bringing an ironing board and iron to work.

Of course if you are going to nap at work you should be sure that you are able to and that you are not going to get into trouble over it, but you should also make sure that the nap you take is not going to wrinkle up your clothes and make you look like an absolute mess for the rest of the day. So be careful with your clothing while you nap and have sweet dreams.

Complexion clothes

How To Find Clothing Colors That Best Fit Your Complexion

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Complexion clothes

Your complexion is very important to consider when you are looking to find the best clothing colors that work for you. Not every color goes with every complexion. Some colors will make certain people appear washed out, while other colors will make them look overly ruddy. Still other shades will tend to blend in too much with a person’s complexion and they will look almost other worldly. Spend some time experimenting to find the clothing colors that best fit your complexion, so you always look your best.

If you happen to have a naturally ruddy complexion, meaning that your face has predominant red and pink tones, you need to be particularly careful in the colors you wear. Reds and pinks will make your ruddiness more prominent and you will look like you are overheating or suffering from high blood pressure. Choose cool colors to downplay redness, like blues, whites and greens.

For dark complexions, lighter colored clothes or bright vivid colors, especially close to the face, are the best choices. They draw attention to the face. Avoid shades that are too similar to your skin tone. Those with dark complexions have the luxury of wearing pretty much any clothing colors. You should avoid colors like turquoise and certain shades of green.

If you have a very fair complexion, choose dark or bright colors, because pale ones will tend to wash out your complexion even more. Avoid yellow, very pale pastels, black and white. Warm pinks and reds especially will help give your skin tone a boost. Remember that your hair color is very important for choosing clothing colors, especially for those with a fair complexion. If you have light hair and a fair complexion, all the very light colors will make you appear ghostly. However, if you have dark hair and a fair complexion, the color palette for clothing is much more open for you. White and pale pastels in moderation work for you.

If you have an olive complexion, stay away from pale yellows and greens. They will reflect in your complexion and make you look sick and drawn. All other colors work great with this skin tone, especially autumn colors like orange, brown and turquoise. Golden shades will bring additional light to your face. All bright colors that are just slightly muted or dusty work well with this complexion.

A quick and easy way to determine the colors that work best for you is to hold solid colors up to your face in a mirror. Watch your face closely and notice when it looks good or bad, depending on what color you hold up. Make a note of the ones that work best and concentrate on buying these shades when you go shopping. This is a general rule primarily for shirts, T-shirts, jackets and scarves. Anything that is worn close to the face should work well with your complexion. For your bottoms, any color works and complexion is much less important.

Used clothing

How To Sell Used Clothing

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Used clothing

Selling used clothing is a great way to make a little extra money. This is especially true for high end clothing, children’s clothing, specialty outfits, costumes, maternity wear and formal wear. One thing to bear in mind however is the price you can ask and realistically expect to receive when you are selling used clothing is a mere fraction of the price you spent to buy it.

The first thing to do when looking to sell used clothing is to decide how and where you will sell it. This will determine how you prepare for the sale. No matter how you plan to sell your clothing, it is critical that you wash it and make it look as good as possible first.

You may plan to do a yard sale with all the clothing displayed so that customers can easily look through it. Hanging items is best for adult clothes. For children’s clothing, have them arranged in boxes or stacks of like items. By designating a single price for each type of clothes, you will get the best results with the least amount of hassle. For example, T-shirts may be 50 cents each, while jeans could be $2 a piece.

If you are planning to sell your used clothing online, you will need to get great photos of them displayed to their best advantage. You will also want to decide whether to sell items in lots or alone. High value items and unique outfits will do best on their own, as will many items that are new with tags still on them. However, if you put together multiple items in the same size and gender together to create a “lot”, you can demand a higher price for all the clothes and the selling process is much less work. You will not have to haggle over individual items and everything will go at once to one address. If you have to deal with shipping, selling in lots is much easier on the seller. This is an excellent method for anyone opting to sell on eBay, Craigslist or another online auction or classifieds site.

Consignment stores are another great way to sell used clothing. Check to see what the store demands of its consignors. Some consignment stores limit the number of items you can bring, some request clothing on hangers, others require no hangers, many have a list of items they know will not sell and will therefore refuse them and the list goes on. The other thing to check is when you can bring the clothing in as some stores set appointment times, while others have a block of time open each day for receiving clothes. Often such stores will buy your used items outright instead of actually consigning them.

Seasonal consignment sales for children’s and maternity clothing are becoming more and more popular. They require a large time commitment on your part for tagging and preparing the clothes. However, the return on your investment is higher than some other used clothing items. Be prepared to follow precise instructions concerning washing, ironing, hanging, pricing and tagging clothes, as well as preparing an inventory. You will need to deliver your items at a specified time and pick up the leftovers, unless you choose to donate them, and hopefully a check at another specified time.

Anyone with used clothing to sell has a variety of options to choose from. Knowing what is involved in each will help you to determine which is the best one for you.

Shoulder pads

How To Remove Sewn-In Shoulder Pads

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Shoulder pads

All fashions come back around. What was in style during one season will definitely make an appearance again after some years. However, certain aspects of style take longer to come back into current trends again. This is the case of the shoulder pad. Extremely popular in the 80s and early 90s, they have yet to come back to popularity, especially to the same degree as they were at that time. While some coats have small built-in shoulder pads to create shape, gone are the blouses, dresses and even dressy T-shirts with shoulder pads. Such looks are not likely to come back anytime soon.

So what does someone do with clothes that still have the shoulder pads attached. Many of the outfits of that era are back in style again now, without the extra padding. If you have kept any of your clothes from that era and would like to wear them again, you can do so by removing the shoulder pads.

Removal of shoulder pads from most garments is relatively easy. In most cases, the pads have been attached with a couple of very small stitches after the garment was finished being made. What this means is that to remove such pads you will need a seam ripper or a tiny pair of small scissors and good light.

Turn the garment inside out and carefully examine the shoulder pads and the way they are attached in good light. Only when you are sure that you can remove the stitches without pulling out any of the nearby seams should you proceed. Slip the pointy end of the seam ripper into the stitches and slowly with a slight rocking motion, cut the threads. This will allow you to easily lift out the shoulder pads. Remove any loose threads and discard them.

If you happen to find that the shoulder pads have been sewn into the garment along the seam, you may still be able to remove them without ruining the item. If it is simply the pocket that the actual foam pad is in that is attached to the garment, you can remove the bulk of the shoulder pad by cutting a neat slit in the pocket and removing the pad itself. You may leave the pouch in place if the piece of clothing is bulky enough so that it doesn’t show. If it shows through the fabric or creates bulk, you can solve the problem by carefully cutting the pocket down to size so the only part remaining is what is attached to the seam.

Once you have removed the shoulder pads from your article of clothing, you should iron the item or steam it. This will help to give it its new shape and make the absence of the padding less noticeable.

Quick and easy clothing surgery like this can revitalize even the oldest items in your closet. Don’t be afraid to make changes to items you own in the name of fashion. If you’re not wearing it because it’s not in fashion, you have nothing to lose. So go ahead and be brave with your clothing surgery.

Slip

When To Wear A Slip

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Slip

Do you know when it is proper to wear a slip? Oftentimes, women wear dresses and skirts without a special undergarment known as a slip. Slips are worn to prevent lightweight material from clinging to the skin and to help garments lay properly against the body.

Slips come in full-length and half-length sizes and in many different colors such as white or nude. They are generally made of a lightweight material, such as cotton or silk, and can be used many different articles of clothing. You can even wear them in ankle-length sizes for more formal wear.

The reason so many women do not wear slips is due to the fact that they seem “old-fashioned” and that many garments come with a lining that is built-in for coverage.

If you are not sure when you should wear a slip, just follow these simple principles:

1.) Always under any lightweight material. Fabrics like linen are very transparent which requires the use of a slip. Likewise, clingy materials like rayon can “ride up” and produce static which always calls for a nice-fitting slip. If you need to wear a slip, just try on the clothing with and then without the slip, and then compare the fit of your clothing between the two. Stand in front of a full-length mirror in good lighting to see if any undergarments show through the clothing. If so, then wear a slip.

2.) Always with delicate and flimsy outfits. Evening gowns and cocktails dresses generally require a slip to fit properly. The slip will prevent any fabric from riding up, clinging, or wrinkling with wear.  Because slips come in a variety of shapes, materials, and sizes, you must ensure that the slip’s shape matches that of the dress or skirt you will be wearing. You do not want the slip showing through in conspicuous places such as a slit or under the arms. Also, remember to coordinate the slip and garment by wearing a neutral colored slip or one that matches the color of the outfit you will be wearing.

3.) Always under fabric that “sticks” to the skin. Many dresses today are made of different fabric blends that tend to cling to the skin and create static. Jersey cotton and spandex blend fabrics will need a slip to prevent that embarrassing cling. Wearing a slip will keep fabric smooth so it will not bunch together while you walk or when you sit down. The best slip materials for this dilemma are silk or cotton and they are the most common. Just try out the slip under your outfit before you wear it.

4.) Always choose the right slip for your particular outfit. The key is to not have the slip show through your garments. So, never wear a lacy slip under a thin blouse and always keep the slip shorter than your dress or skirt. Since many articles of clothing come with built-in layers that work like slips, you won’t have to make sure that you have the proper slip for every article of clothing. But you must always check yourself in front of a mirror before going out to prevent any coverage issues.

Although slips are sometimes considered a thing of the past for many women, you can always guarantee that you are dressed and look your best when a slip is under your dress!

Argyle

What to Wear with Argyle

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Argyle

With the popularity of such shows as Gossip Girl, it seems that argyle is making a comeback, and why not? Argyle is a very versatile pattern that can be worn in a preppy manner but can also be worn in a casual manner. Because of this fact, more and more people are finding the look to their liking. Knowing what to wear with argyle really depends on what the occasion is and what type of argyle garment you are wearing.

Argyle patterns can be found on a number of garments these days, but the two most popular remain the sweater and socks. Here are a few ways to pair you argyle garments and look great doing so:

ARGLYE SWEATERS

•    Jeans: Though you may not think so you can pair an argyle sweater with a nice slim cut pair of jeans. You will want form fitting, but you don’t want to have the jeans fitting too loose. This will give the illusion of a casual-prep. To compliment the jeans you will want to wear low cut ankle boots and some light accessories. Scarves work great with this look and a tote of some kind also fits the bill.
•    Dress pants: A nice pair of dress pants and an argyle sweater makes for the perfect preppy look. You can compliment this look with a dressy pair of shoes and by doing so you will have a great look for a professional work environment.
•    Sweater vest: You can re-define the preppy look by wearing an argyle sweater vest over a long sleeved white shirt. This can be paired with either jeans or pants depending on where you are going.
•    Skirts: This look has just recently gained popularity. Finding a really cute skirt to pair with your argyle sweater gives the young and fun look. Wearing this outfit with a pair of baby-doll heels completes the look of this fun fashion. The skirt should be a darker solid color like black to work right.

ARGYLE SOCKS

•    Golf: Nothing shows the tradition of golf like a great pair of argyle socks. Wear these with what are known as knickers and you will look like the golfers of yesteryear.
•    Leggings: This look was made popular by Sarah Jessica Parker in the show Sex and the City. To pull off this look wear a pair of thigh high argyle leggings with a short black skirt. Any fun top will do and you can finish off the look with a longer style rain coat that is a darker color.
•    Kilts: Ok, maybe you are not going to be wearing a kilt anytime soon, but if you are you can complete the highlander look with calf high argyle socks. Finish off the look with decorative pins that are attached to the top of the socks.

While argyle may be a funny name and a distinctive look, that look is not only back, but it is here to stay. Pairing your argyle fashions with the appropriate garments may have you looking and feeling a bit more preppy than usual.

Liquid leggings

What to Wear with Liquid Leggings

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Liquid leggings

Liquid leggings are just like regular leggings except that they are made of some sort of shiny material that gives them the appearance of being ‘wet.’  Thanks to start like Lady Gaga these liquid leggings are making their way into the mainstream of fashion at a very fast pace. Because there are a number of different colors of liquid leggings there are a number of different possibilities when you think about what you want to wear with your liquid leggings.

Liquid leggings are made to be noticed so when wearing them you need to pair them with garments that will compliment them and highlight them at the same time. Here are a few examples of how you can utilize liquid leggings:

•    T-shirts: This is the look that Miley Cyrus has helped make famous. Wearing black liquid leggings and a t-shirt that is on the long side, you too can accomplish this look. Use a wide belt to tie the outfit together and wear high top shoes like Converse to complete the look. You can also opt for a fun and stylish hat if you like.

•    Frilly blouses: Blouses that have frilly tops and frilly sleeves also go rather nicely with liquid leggings. If the blouse is long enough you can use a skinny belt if you wish. If you are wearing black liquid leggings then you can go with lighter colored tops such as white and yellow, but if you are wearing a metallic colored pair of liquid leggings then stick with black blouses as these will look great with the gold and silver colored leggings. Finish off the look by wearing a pair of high heels that compliments the entire outfit.

•    Dresses: You can wear any number of cute short dresses over your liquid leggings for a casual and cool look. Choose to tie in the outfit with a belt or be a bit different and use a sash. If the weather dictates, you can wear a lightweight jacket and still look great. Go with heels once again when choosing your footwear.

•    Miniskirts: A sexy way to jazz up a pair of black liquid leggings is to wear a black spandex miniskirt over top. This can be topped off with a short white blouse and fished with a lightweight black leather jacket. This is the ultimate in sexy cool. You will of course want to go with a pair of very high heels that are black.

•    More liquid: Lady Gaga often wears her black liquid leggings and a top that is made of the same material. This look gives her an overall wet appearance and everything is very tight. That said if you are not comfortable in everything tight then you will want to skip this look. If however you are confident enough to go for it then pair it with black heels and you will have the Gaga look down.

Liquid leggings are a sexy and fun alternative to the ordinary. Pairing them with the right outfits will have you too looking your best no matter where you roam in your liquid leggings.

School

What to Wear to School Non-Uniform Day

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School

It’s a non-uniform day at school, and you have the freedom to wear just about anything you want. So is that a good thing … or a bad thing? You have to admit that uniforms take a lot of the stress out of dressing for school. Just slap on your uniform, add a couple of accessories, do your hair and makeup, and you’re ready to go! But having to wear a uniform can also limit the personal expression you enjoy when you can dress the way you feel from head to toe. A school non-uniform day can be a bit intimidating, but with a little planning you can use it to showcase your true personality and have fun while doing it.

Plan ahead. Don’t wait until the morning of to decide what you’re going to wear. You’ll need some time to put together a look that looks “put together.”

Decide what sort of clothes personality you are. If you’re a girly girl, you will want to get out the skirts, dresses, cute shirts, cute shorts, and whatever is feminine and frilly. The more pink, the better. If you tend to lean more toward punk or goth styles, go with dark, somber colors and metallic accessories. Or maybe you’re somewhere in between, which is fine too. Have fun combining different styles to create your own unique look.

Start at the bottom. Decide what you’d like to wear on the bottom of your outfit, whether it’s jeans or a skirt. If you’re going to wear a dress, this won’t be an issue. School clothing should be somewhat casual, so save the sparkly, strappy outfits for your next party. Baggy pants aren’t in for girls, but your bottoms should not be so tight that skin is oozing out the top either. Skinny jeans are very hip right now, as long as they fit right. Wear clothing that is comfortable, since you will be walking and sitting in it all day.

Add the right shirt. Choose a shirt that complements your bottom piece. If you’re wearing jeans or a jean skirt, you can choose just about any top and it will look great. Be sure the colors coordinate. Don’t wear shirts that are too revealing. If your shirt is low-cut or a little short, layer it with a tank or cami underneath to solve the problem.

Pick a pair of cool shoes. If you’re wearing jeans, a pair of sneakers or sandals will work well. Skirts and dresses look better with sandals, ballet flats or low heels. Steer away from shoes with high heels unless you don’t do much walking at school and you don’t have gym class.

Add subtle accessories. Dangly earrings in interesting shapes and colors are a lot of fun, or go with some strings of pretty beads and a bracelet. If allowed, try a cute hat that matches the rest of the colors in your outfit. Don’t overdo the accessories though or you’ll look like a Christmas tree.

Match your hair to your outfit. Plan a hairstyle that goes with your clothes, depending on whether you’re looking sophisticated or more casual.

Be yourself! Don’t look like you’re trying hard to be someone you’re not. Dress in a way that is comfortable for you.

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

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.