Find Your Dream Dress

Marc Bouwer
Cynthia Nellis,


1. Decide on Formality:

Usually the event invitation will clue you into the formality of the event, whether it's casual or black tie. But sometimes even that will cause confusion (short dress or long?)

In general, the later in the day the event (after 6 p.m.), the dressier. Long dresses are usually reserved only for formal (black tie) occasions.

While some fabrics are year-round -- silk, brocade, organza, jersey -- fabrics like velvet and gold spangles are best reserved for winter holidays.


2. Flatter Your Figure:

The most important feature of your new dress is how well it flatters you.

Remember that darker colors and simple cuts (a sheath, an A-line) are the most flattering.

Show off your best feature. If you have gorgeous eyes, then play them up with beautiful makeup, off-the-face hair and jeweled earrings in a complimentary shade.

Not sure what your best asset is? Ask a friend or significant other. Or go to a store that sells special occasion dresses and enlist the salesperson's help.


3. Choose a Color:

You could just wear a little black dress (classy, flattering and slenderizing), but why not explore some of the other dressy options?

Red, bold prints, even gold are dramatic enough for evening wear. Pastels, mid-range brights and soft prints look great for dressy day occasions.

Blue (from navy to royal), pink (from cotton candy to fuchsia) and white (from candlelight to cream) look great on almost everyone. Remember that the "Don't wear white to a wedding" wisdom is still considered a fashion don't by most women.

4. Pick a Style:

Catalogs, the internet and magazines are a great places to seek special occasion dress inspiration.

Instead of going with something trendy, try to find a dress that reflects classic, timeless elegance. Remember that you'll have to look at photos of you in the dress for years to come.

Classic special occasion dresses are often deceptively simple, but they usually let the beauty of the wearer shine through. A few examples: the little black dress (a.k.a the cocktail dress), a goddess gown (draped and rouched), a ballgown, a slip dress.


5. Shop:

Set a budget before shopping. Special occasion dresses usually cost more than $100, but if you comparison shop you can find one that works in your price range.

Shop secondhand stores and sales to save even more money on a dress.

If you shop in a store, dress for the day by bringing along heels, any special accessories you know you want to use and a strapless bra.

When shopping online, make sure you understand both the sizing (know your measurements and check against a size chart on the site) and the return policy (some stores don't take returns on dresses.)

6. Accessorize:

The trimmings will take their cue from the dress, but for special occasions your jewelery usually gets bigger and your bag and shoes get smaller (as in strappy sandals).

Although you may want to add tons of glitz, remember that you can kill a look with too much matchy-matchy accessorizing. Find earrings, necklace and bracelet that compliment each other without being a matching set.

If your legs aren't perfect enough to go bare need camouflage and you don't like to wear leg makeup, then opt for super-sheer hose or fishnets.


source :http://fashion.about.com,
By Cynthia Nellis

How to Dress According to your Body Shape

It's very important to know your body, your body shape. And yes, more important is to know the proportions since it has nothing to do with the size you wear.

Learn to love your body, just take a look in a mirror and see how wonderful you're, and you're going to be more wonderful and beautiful by learning the kind of clothing that goes with your type of shape

Step 1

Curvy Hips:




* Floral prints blouses make your top half stand out.
* Bold or light colors on top and dark shades on bottom are a great choice.
* Broad necklines equalize your figure.
*Wide V-neck dresses balances out your figure.

Step 2

Petite:




* Ensure fit, and is best to get things tailored.
* Classic, structured shapes can concoct an illusion of tall and narrow.
* The bracelet sleeves make arms appear longer.
*A good trick to elongate your legs is to wear straight pants that cover your shoes.
* To elongate your body, wear vertical lines patterned clothing.

Step 3

Busty:




* Avoid bulky turtlenecks, which make you look heavy from the waist up.
* Black on top minimizes the attention to your chest.
Stick to clothes that are form-fitting.
* Buy a good bra with sculpted cups and sturdy straps to maintain allover smooth lift and prevent side bulges. Stick to clothes that are form-fitting.
* Buy a good bra with sculpted cups and sturdy straps to maintain allover smooth lift and prevent side bulges.

Step 4

Full:




* Too tight sleeves accentuate arm bulge. Fabrics should skim upper arms. Bell sleeves are always chic too.
* Big prints aren't best, so go monochromatic to create the slimmest line.
* Rich red is always striking on that full figure.
* Look for tailored pieces like fitted button-ups, straight skirts and trousers, and wrap dresses that skim the body and give the waist definition

Source : http://www.ehow.com

Article bY :janni

Caring For Your Clothes-Mens Fashion Tips

Investing in a well-tailored and high quality wardrobe can be an exciting and rewarding experience.

It can also make a big difference in your outlook on life and on yourself. Keeping that investment in great shape takes a little work but that effort will keep your clothes in runway shape for a long time.

While it does take some effort on your part, you’ll probably become one of those people that others point to and say, “wow, how does he always look so good?” Part of my interest in wardrobe maintenance is probably genetic. I’m a New Englander and our obsession with using stuff until it literally falls apart in your hands is well-documented.


Here are a few basics that will help your cherished clothes last longer while still looking great.

Hang it up:

Make an effort to keep your clothes clean and well-maintained. An easy and basic part of this something called the hanger; just use it. When you get home after a long day at work, change right away and hang up your clothes. Use wood hangers, untreated cedar are a good choice. Don’t crowd your closet. Garments need to breath and should have space to air out. Most wrinkles will work themselves out in between wearings.

More brushing, less dry cleaning:



Most suits and sport coats only need to be dry cleaned about once a year. Delicate fabrics and linens may need more attention, but on the whole regularly brushing your garments with a clothing brush will remove most dust and dirt. Spot cleaning can address many minor stains and help avoid unnecessary trips to the cleaners. If your suit is looking a little too lived in, go ahead and take it there, but only for a press. That will freshen it up without the damage of dry cleaning chemicals.

Shoe trees:

In addition to protecting your dress shoes’ leather by keeping them polished, make sure to always use shoe trees. There are many models, but the best are full-sized and made from untreated cedar. The shoe tree will absorb moisture and help maintain your shoe’s shape. Varnished trees are fine as well, in fact I’m always on the lookout for the kind you’re likely to find in Ralph Lauren’s closet.

Don’t wear the same pair of shoes day after day; they need to rest and dry out. At the end of the day, give your shoes a quick brush down, insert trees, and give them a few days off. Should you get stuck in a rainstorm or have to tramp through snow, do not try to dry out your shoes quickly; it can permanently damage your fine footwear. Stuff them with newspaper, set them in a room temperature place and leave them alone. Change the paper if it gets damp but don’t rush the process. Also, make sure to brush off road salts or dirt immediately.

Launder with care:



When it comes to laundering your shirts at home, cold water is usually better. Iron on slightly cooler settings and lay off the starch. If you need to use it, starch only the cuffs, collars, and plackets; those areas that can get a little unruly. If you regularly send your shirts off to the cleaners, pass on the starch there as well. Commercial presses do a fine job of working out the wrinkles with extra chemicals.

Source :http://www.mensflair.com

Fashion Tips For 50+ women

If you are a fifty plus woman there are a few fashion rules you might find helpful in achieving a sexy, stylish appearance:

Re-evaluate yourself

Lots of things change with age, so make sure you re-evaluate your figure type and face shape. You need to dress to flatter who you are now, rather then trying to get back what's gone. Your bra size, or lingerie needs may have changed also, so get fitted again for these items.

Don't be a bag lady

Getting older doesn't mean it's time to hide your body under baggy smocks, or sweat suits. Choose well cut tailored clothing, or pieces that drapes nicely. Fabric is often they key so don't scrimp in this department. Look for silks that hang beautifully on the body without clinging and wool blends in tailored pieces, because they offer structure. Palazzo pants and stretch jeans are comfortable, but not dowdy in the pants department. Floaty silk blouses, or semi fitted button front tops look great. In the dress department semi fitted styles tend to work best.

Enlist some support

There are lots of clever fashion garments today that can help lift and shape your figure. These can help take years off your body. There are supportive swimsuits that offer tummy panels, stockings that reduce the width of your thighs and butt, and virtually every imaginable lingerie solution to improve your appearance.

source :http://mirror.co.uk

Ditch anything childish

If you want to look stylish stay clear of anything obviously juvenile, for example cute looking prints, logos and trends you only see in stores aimed at teens. Dressing in young women's clothing won't make you look youthful; it could actually make you look silly. It is far better to stick to

Wear color on top

As we age, we have a tendency to loss pigment in both our hair and face. Some of this can be counter balanced with hair dye and make up, but it is also beneficial to wear a flattering color on your top half. This will help you to avoid looking washed out and tired.

Finally some key items to avoid wearing; pleated high waist skirts, fleecy vests, pants that are baggy through the bottom region but tapered at the ankle, and over sized, shapeless tops and cardigans.

Article by : Kimberley Heit

Source : http://www.helium.com

Fashion Tips For Fat Men

Many men worldwide suffer from excess weight and want to get rid of it. It is not easy but with much diligence and regular training and dieting it is quite possible.

When you start feeling you are losing weight your looks will improve a lot since clothes will fit you better.

As a result your self-esteem will boost dramatically as well as your motivation to try new fashions and styles.

As there’s no reason to put off looking good until you reach your goal weight, I’ve put together several fashion tips to help you flatter your shape right now and create a slimmer-looking physique.

1.Stand up straight

This is very easy and doesn’t cost you anything. Work on your posture. When you stand up straight you look like you have just dropped 10 to 15 pounds. Besides, this makes people look and THINK more confident.

2.Make sure your clothes fit you well

Clothes should fit perfectly. Garments should skim over your body and smooth out its surface.

Stay away from too tight clothes as they will reveal all the lumps and bumps you’d rather hide from other people’s eyes.

And too loose clothes are not for you either, since they will make you look larger than you actually are.

3.Avoid tops with sloped shoulders

Never try tops with naturally sloped shoulders because these tend to draw the eye down to your midsection.

Instead, look for tops which have slightly squared shoulders as they will focus others’ attention on your body to your chest and face.

4.Steer clear of bold patterns

No loud or bold patterns can be worn if you want to avoid attracting attention to the upper half of your body.

The only pattern possible is vertical lines for they create optical continuity and help elongate the look of your body.

Opt for dark, solid colors as they create a slimmer silhouette and make you seem at least 10 pounds thinner.

5.Wear V-neck shirts

V-necks are perfect about creating the illusion of a slimmer neckline, especially if you have a double chin, since emphasis is made on your chest area instead of on your neck.
Dickies Medical - Mens Raglan Sleeve Solid Top-XL (Pewter) - Apparel

When you select a dress shirt, ones with very pointed collars will be the best since they focus attention on your face.


6.Wear three-button blazers

Three-button blazers will work for you making your appearance longer and leaner.

Always remember to leave the top button of your blazer undone as it will prevent your clothes from pulling, particularly in the middle area.

7.Stay away from bulky blazers

Of course chunky wool sweaters are a big no-no for you as they will add too much additional weight to your look.

To keep warm in winter, try cashmere that provides enough warmth without adding bulk to your figure. For suits, choose softer wools so that the fabric is as thin as possible.

8.Wear pants with a longer hem

Wear your pants as long as possible to seem taller and thinner. They should hit almost at the ground to be able to lengthen your body.

And the last but not the least (and it is hardly about fashion at all!) - love yourself.

If you love yourself you always feel confident and you look good no matter what you are actually wearing. But if you feel insecure and think your weight makes you look ugly no garments or tips can help you to change the situation.

Source :http://www.theinsider.com

World Most Expensive Watch

The Chopard 201-carat Watch

A Switzerland-based company named Chopard recently showcased its $25,000,000 watch, which comes festooned with three heart-shaped diamonds weighing 38 carats (15 carat pink heart diamond, 12 carats blue heart diamond and 11 carats white heart diamond). These hearts are fixed to the bracelet that is decked out with white and yellow flowery diamonds weighing 163 carats.

In total, you will get 200 carats diamonds for a cool US $25 million

This watch by Chopard features three heart-shaped diamonds, the pink weighs 15 carats, the blue weighs 12 carats and the white weighs 11 carats. They are set in a bracelet encrusted with clusters of white pear-shaped diamonds arrange in flower motifs, with a yellow diamond standing up from the center of each. Total caratweight of the white and yellow diamonds is 163 carats, while the total caratweight of the watch is 201 carats. The watch has a spring-loaded mechanism which, when pressed, allows the three heart shapes to mechanically open up, much the way the petals of a flower will in the sunshine. The watch face, pavé-set with small round yellow diamonds, is exposed from underneath the heart-shaped diamonds. The watch's pricetag is $25 million.

The specifications for a number of the diamonds are as follows:

- 1 heart-shaped diamond, natural Fancy Pink, Internally Flawess, 15.37 carats.

- 1 heart-shaped diamond, natural Fancy Blue, VS2, 12.79 carats.

- 1 heart-shaped diamond, D color, Flawless, 11.36 carats.

- 3 pear-shaped diamonds, natural Fancy Intense Yellow, 8.45 carats total.

- 26 pear-shaped diamonds, natural Fancy Intense Yellow, 17.07 carats total.

- 48 round diamonds, natural Fancy Yellow, 8.81 carats total.

- 260 pear-shaped diamonds, all D color, Flawless, 60.94 carats total.
- 91 round diamonds, D color, Flawless, 10.29 carats total.

- 443 FC diamonds, natural Fancy Intense Yellow, 4.95 carats total.

Source : http://famousdiamonds.tripod.com

Fashion Tips for Short Women

Graphic Source : http://www.divavillage.com


On Top

1. When it comes to tops and blouses, keep things streamlined. Any large shape can drown you, even if you have curves. Elongate your shape with blouses that hit no further than the top of your hips. If you want to play with proportion, do so with sleeves, versus the bodice of a blouse. A nipped waist will always create a slimmer, longer shape, so look for tops with darting or princess seams running through the front of the garment.

On Bottom

2. Keep the silhouette of your pants narrow. This doesn't mean a super tight, skinny pant, but just a clean, straight leg opening that skims the ankle. Avoid capri or cropped pants, as they will cut you off at the widest point of your calves, making you appear shorter and stubby. Dark or light denim doesn't make as much of a difference as the cut of jeans. Aim for pants that hit at the waist and have a continuous straight line through the hem. Anything severe, such as a bellbottom or flare will break the line and shorten you. Skirts should also be lean if the hem is longer than a mini skirt. Mini skirts do allow you to play with volume, and tulip skirts or bubble hems can be quite flattering on a short woman. Remember to sport a voluminous skirt with a sleek blouse and high heels for a trim look.

Footwear

3. Heels always help short women. They add height, and also make it look like you've dropped a pound or two in the process. If a stiletto won't do for working at the office all day, opt for a stacked heel or heels with a platform which adds support and distributes your weight more evenly. For a special event, opt for a metallic strappy sandal that is within a few shades of your own skin tone to create a long look that continues from the bare legs through the feet.

Colors

4. Dark colors can create a sleeker look, but the primary key is to keep the look somewhat monochromatic. Avoid stark, contrasting colors on top and bottom, which will break up your body and enhance how short you are. You don't have to wear all black all the time, but keep colors in the same family by opting for all warm or cool tones in a look. A little black dress worn with an eggplant cardigan creates dimension, as does a gold dress with a peach shawl. Keeping the colors in sync will help create that sleek line that will make you walk a little taller.

Source : http://www.ehow.com

15 Quick Fashion tips for Men

Graphical Source :whowhatwear.com

Here are 15 Quick Fashion tips:


1. Fit is King – The most dramatic improvement you can make in your style is to make sure everything fits. Most guys wear clothes that are too large. Make sure everything you wear is almost hugging the curves of your body - without being tight. Bad fit is an epidemic, cure yourself.

2. Keep it simple – You want a wardrobe that looks great on you but you don’t want to overdo it. For example, don’t wear more than three pieces of jewelry or more than three colors. Don’t dress like a rock star unless you’re in a band. If you want to be flashy, a simpler but stylish look would be sporting a black striped dress shirt with a white blazer, a dark pair of jeans, a white belt, and your favorite pair of shoes. You could also add a flashy watch or a simple accessory like an interesting necklace, but nothing more.

3. Change the way you see casual - casual doesn’t have to be boring. Have fun with collared shirts, or take some inspiration from those who approach casual a bit differently.

4. Pay attention to your supporting pieces - Some sweaters are lean and others are big and chunky. The first rule of thumb is that your top and bottom halves need to match. If you’re wearing a big, chunky, rugged fisherman knit sweater, your bottom needs to be rugged, too. Don’t wear a fisherman’s sweater with a beautiful silk-and-wool suit pant. Instead, wear it with something as casual as cargoes or jeans, or dress it up with a Harris tweed blazer.

5. Never go shopping alone – You can never really trust the sales people because they usually work for commission. Read about shopping on a budget.

6. Stay at least a notch above - Don’t overdo it to a fault, but still take some risks. It’s always better to be a little bit overdressed than underdressed in a situation. All you have to do is think about where and who you’re going to be with and just step it up one notch. But make sure you’re not better dressed than someone who is more important in a certain setting, like you’re boss.


7. Never underestimate the power of details – The last thing on is usually the first thing noticed. So mind the details instead of throwing together the main parts of your outfit. “Details” can include a scarf, a subtle pocket square, to the way you tie your tie knot.

8. Invest in a good pair of shoes – If it’s one thing that women will notice, it’s your shoes. Especially how clean they are. It’s easy to wash and press the rest of your clothes to keep them looking new, but most guys disregard their shoes. Show you’re a man of taste by getting a nice pair of shoes and keeping them in pristine condition. It’s the fastest way to showing others that you take care of yourself.

9. Fashion Tees with logos – When you’re going around with a big logo on your shirt, you risk looking like a walking billboard.

10. Disregard trends – You shouldn’t wear something just because it’s “in” right now. Always build a versatile and timeless (or classic) wardrobe first, and then bring in your own twists with some of the new stuff. This one tip has saved me so much money.

11. Don’t be a sucker for brand names - Don’t be a Patrick Bateman. Before you decide to purchase an item, ask yourself if you are buying it because it’s “in style” or because it genuinely suits you. Ask yourself if you would buy the garment if it didn’t have a logo on it.

12. Stay away from clogs and Crocs - They look good on nobody. Enough said.

13. An undershirt is an undershirt - An undershirt is meant to be worn underneath your dress shirt or sweater to absorb the sweat, dirt, and body oils that we all inevitable secrete. This way you might be able to get away with not having to launder the shirt every time you wear it, and you shirt will be around for even longer. Please do not wear a wife beater, v-neck, or crew-neck undershirt by itself with jeans.

14. Upgrade your shave - Even if all the threads are gold, unkempt beard can be an instant attraction killer. Achieve that perfect shave by adding a shave brush & old-fashioned double-edged razor.

15. Experiment with style – The only way you’ll really learn, is if you go out there and try new things. If you make mistakes, life goes on. So many guys are afraid to express themselves through their style, don’t be one of them

Source:http://www.kinowear.com

The latest TAG HEUER Watches

The Monaco LS
One word that springs to mind when thinking of the MONACO is Audacity: the audacity of the first square automatic chronograph on the market; the audacity of a design that mocked the established rules; the audacity of associating it with a rebel actor at a time when the Ambassador concept did not exist. The MONACO LS Chronograph Calibre 12 does justice to its sire : the movement, the look and design detail all turn received ideas upside down and flout convention : this timepiece is other-worldly.

The movement is a basic Dubois Depraz calibre so that the seconds, shown in a linear date opening, can be read linearly from the tip of a double red rhodium hand. The dial, inspired by the MONACO 360 Concept Chronograph, the polished bridges, the translucent embossed numerals, the chronograph dials and the angled date opening are voice and counter-voice in a black, deliberately hi-tech song sheet. The 40.5 mm case, waterproof down to 100 m, simply had to be made of polished or brushed stainless steel, and its ergonomic shape is achieved thanks to the generously curved and bevelled sapphire glass. The spirit of the MONACO V4 is palpable ... The bracelet in black alligator with a folding clasp adds a classically elegant gloss to the avant-garde look whilst the stainless steel strap, with its unique micro-adjustment device, underlines the definitely futuristic bent of this Ode to Otherness.

TAG Heuer certainly knows how to give a new lease of life to a watchmaking legend. Resuscitating Steve McQueen is more complicated. An actor, but more than anything a racing driver, he used to say : « Racing is life...... everything before or after is just waiting ». A phrase that Lewis Hamilton, the 2008 Formula 1 World Champion, could have made his own since, aged just 10, he used to pull Ron Dennis’s sleeve saying « One day I shall drive a McLaren ». Thanks to the magic of film, TAG Heuer made the impossible encounter of the Hollywood idol and the virtuoso of the racing circuit possible. For the length of a film, they bandied words, challenged each other and crossed swords. On the actor’s wrist the original MONACO, on the champion's the MONACO LS. A modern duel dramatising one of the great driving forces throughout history: the spirit of competition. The same spirit that drives the technicians and watchmakers of TAG Heuer when, day after day, they face the challenge of surpassing their own achievements, of doing more to innovate and reinvent themselves. This is how today we shape the timepieces of the future.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New TAG Heuer SLR Chronograph

Equipped with an exclusive TAG Heuer patented movement, the new SLR Calibre S Laptimer is capable of measuring and recording up to 20 laps with an accuracy of 1/100th second: the car racing chronograph par excellence.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MONACO Cal 11 1969 Re-edition

• CALIBRE 11 WITH ITS RECOGNIZABLE CROWN AT 9 O’CLOCK
• HORIZONTAL INDEXES AND VINTAGE HANDS
• ORIGINAL BLUE DIAL AND “HEUER” LOGO
• SAPPHIRE CRYSTAL GLASS

Source:http://www.tagheuer.com