February 23, 2012

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What to Wear for Men

Esmoquin
Image via Wikipedia

Just because the social stigma is that guys do not have nearly the fashion concerns that women do, does not mean that men do not have decisions to make as well. While men may not have to accessorize nearly as much as women do, men have to know what to wear for special occasions.

For a wedding it is simple. Men do not have to do much thinking. Black tie means tuxedo so if you get that in your invitation to the wedding then you need to go out and upgrade your suit. If you do not then you can keep your suit very simple. Just stick to either gray, black or navy blue. Just make sure that you match your belt with your shoes and you are going to be okay.

If you are going to a meeting that is labeled as business casual than you can choose to wear a short sleeve shirt from LRG clothes, but you must make sure it has a collar. Jeans, while sometimes acceptable, should always be worn with caution; your best bet is to go with dockers or khakis instead. You would rather be a little overdressed than under dressed in a situation like that.

For job interviews you want to make sure you wear a clean suit with a clean, pressed shirt. You want to put your best foot forward. Your future employer will be looking at what you are wearing a lot. You do not dress for the job you have but rather the kind of job you want.

Being a man doesn’t mean you are on easy street in the wardrobe department. You have decisions to make and this guide will help you.Â

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Great Online Giveaways

These days, the world of online shopping is a competitive place. Businesses that operate in brick and mortar stores are realizing the true potential and value of having their fashion sold online. It’s an easy way to reduce the overhead, and pay for property rental fees and the time it takes to scout appropriate locations for stores. Instead, these business can operate from a warehouse or smaller venue, depending on the volume of their business.

With the cost savings being what they are, there are plenty of businesses that are doing their best to attract customers. One of the things they are doing is giving away great items as a reward for purchases over a certain price amount. They are seeing that the value of these gifts are worth the increased sales that these giveaways can translate to.

These companies are rolling out the red carpet for their customers, and they are upping their ante in the free gift department, too. There was a time when the free gift was very much a token gift. It was a generic tote bag or a pair of leggings to go with the clothing item that was purchased.

Many gifts that are being given today range from middle ticket items, credit cards, and prepaid credit cards. These cards are there to encourage sales back to the store and are oftentimes gift cards for the store itself.

Other items range from huge price deductions on future purchases, and even cars are being raffled off by using sales totals to purchase raffle tickets. These items are tremendous and are making people take notice of the various fashion retailers that are doing business these days. There are plenty of men and women out there who should be taking advantage of these historic giveaways. Online fashion retailers want business, and it could be worth it for customers to give it to them.

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Bold Styles In Footwear Appear on Premier Runways

Shoe trends are getting wilder not tamer as the newest styles are revealed in New York, Paris and Milan. Suede, leather, denim and even lace come in every color, print and texture imaginable. Whatever your outfit, there is sure to be the perfect shoe to match.

Finding an outfit to match the shoes might be a problem, since patterns stand out enough to overshadow all but the savviest duds.

High, high heels are in, and pink and black are big. While chunky is going out and pointed isn’t totally back in yet, small rounded toes are prevalent.

Most of the new designs are in bright colors and bold patterns. Many combine two or even three styles in one shoe, making for a fun visual display.

Boots are also in vogue, the higher the better. High heel boots in leather and all colors work well with leggings and skirts.

Hats and handbags to match can help pull the look together. Open toes and heels add a little sexy to some of the more casual styles. Strappy is still in for dress and casual shoes.

Animal prints are still in style, also available in bright, bold colors. The finest designers are incorporating unusual heel styles to distinguish this year’s selection. Many new designers are making their mark, some with styles as fresh and innovative as the old standbys.

Metals and the metallic look is also popular. Contrasted with black or other dark colors they are both striking and easy to match. Emerald also stood out in many collections.

Filed Under: Adults, Dresses Tagged With: , ,

Investment Dressing Never Goes Out of Style

If you are ready for a new suit worthy of the war room, the poor economy may be your new best friend. Investment dressing hasn’t been mentioned since the last economic recession, but it’s back for now.

New trends are toward the grown up style, not just fancy kids clothes anymore. Career minded women near midlife spend far more on clothing than any other demographic group. Since they’ve been moving up the professional ladder, it’s time they got more attention in the clothing departments.

Investment dressing is building an easily mixed and matched wardrobe based on a few base pieces – a jacket or slacks for instance – and making sure everything else you buy will match at least a few of those pieces. Instead of the trends that are in today and out tomorrow, investment dressing involves timeless pieces that fit well and are bought for quality, not just style.

These items last longer and can be worn to work, special occasions or an evening out. Their long lasting value makes them truly an investment.

Investment dressing is built on a tailored style. Build the wardrobe on fundamental colors, fabrics and styles that will fit together easily. Investment dressers refer to the cost per wear of each item of clothing they purchase. Cost per wear is based on how many items you already own will match it, how many times you will wear it each year and how many years it will last.

Investment dressing is perfectly suited for the plan ahead, ready for anything mature female. It may not be well suited for your teenage daughter.

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Buying engagement rings online – know before you buy

Shopping online is one thing. Shopping online for something wearable is totally different. While different websites may occasionally offer better deals than their brick and mortar counterparts, sizing and return policies can be harder to gauge. This is especially true when it comes to buying engagement rings online. Though you may find some great deals, you have to know what you’re buying before you add anything to your shopping cart. This way, you won’t get stuck with an ugly ring that doesn’t fit.

The first and most important thing to do when shopping for engagement rings online is to know your size. Different websites have different return and re-sizing policies, and sometimes, if you get a ring on sale, you might not be able to return it at all. Most jewelry stores offer free sizing services, so you can know what you need before you get it.

Some engagement ring websites offer free or discounted resizing services, and those are the ones that should be further considered.

The next thing to consider, with buying rings online, is the ‘diamond’ aspect. Over the past few years, a lot of controversy has arisen with how diamonds have been harvested and recovered. Conscientious buyers should research where their diamonds are coming from before they buy them. This also ties into certifying that you’re buying a real diamond, and not cubic zirconium, or even plastic.

Finally, research the website from where you plan to buy the ring. Read customer reviews, study the fine print and be familiar with the return policies. The best websites are credit-card verified and will have received countless positive reviews.

Saavy buyers may also be able to search online for coupon codes and discounts in order to receive special services or discounted prices for engagement rings. Engagement rings aren’t often the cheapest things in the world, which is why knowledge is essential for the purchasing process.

Filed Under: Adults, Online Shopping Tagged With: , ,

Madonna and Daughter Launch Material Girl Clothing Line

Material Girl

Image via Wikipedia

Madonna has done it again. With daughter Lourdes, she has launched a new clothing line “Material Girl.” Available at Macy’s, Material Girl aims for juniors and the tween fashion divas, ages 7-14.

Tight leggings, short shirts and fabrics of every color and print are the baseline for this style. Choosing a look that your kid adores and isn’t too revealing might be a challenge, but layering can keep the modesty in the style.

Scarves and jackets work with the layered look. Madonna said Lourdes was not just the inspiration for the clothing line, but actively works with the designs. Lourdes is blogging about the new clothing line herself.

Neither Madonna nor Lourdes will model the line. Leather and lace from the 80’s, along with high boots and heels compliment the look. Dressing like you didn’t plan it is Madonna’s goal for Material Girl outfits.

For those who well remember the 80’s, Material Girl clothes are more like Like A Virgin clothes. Lourdes is very interested in fashion and style, and has strong opinions about it. She Expresses Herself in her blogs.

While Madonna admits to having input on her daughter’s school outfits, she said she gave Lourdes free reign when it came to the clothing line. Material Girl accessories complete the look. Look for long, dropping earrings in a variety of colors.

Heavy makeup, especially eye shadow, was another hallmark of the Madonna’s 80’s look. Mini dresses and t-shirts round out the line.

History has shown that what Madonna says is in is in. The Material Girl collection has received good reviews, and is sure to be a huge success.

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Top Ways to Follow Fashion Trends

Following fashion trends as an adult can be challenging. You may have a keen eye for luxurious fabrics and quality craftsmanship in accessories or leather goods. Classic pieces may be the bulk or your wardrobe, but you are longing to find something special. This could be a few items that help the current wardrobe feel fresh. Keeping in touch with trends is harder when you work a full time job, take care of others, or simply are busy. Spending an entire day shopping for clothes, may seem almost impossible. Finding  a few items may take several hours when you are unsure as to what style to purchase. Being busy sometimes does not allow for lengthy shopping trips. Here are the top ways to follow new fashion trends.

Google Alerts

Set a google alert for your favorite designers. You will be notified when there are online photos or video from a fashion shoot or when a new line of clothing available in stores. These exact runway styles may not always be available immediately, but you now know what to be on the look out for. Always bookmark any websites that has fashion you would like to find.

Magazines

Subscribe to at least one high fashion magazine or order a shopping catalog. This could be from Spiegel or another retailer that has a limited selection in retail stores. These options give visuals of how retailers are using runway trends this season.

Weekly Sale Ads

Look through the weekly sale ads in Sunday newspapers. This will help you keep an eye out for a particular style you are looking for this season. If you don’t have a subscription to the Sunday paper, take time to visit your favorite department store websites regularly.

Knowing what trends you like can substantially cut the amount of shopping time in half. Use these tips to find current trends.

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Top Shopping Tips for Adult Fashion Addicts

Working Wardrobes Women's Day of Self Esteem

Image by HKA, Inc. Public Relations via Flickr

Shopping for many people is almost therapeutic. It is fun to unwind and purchase a little something or an outfit for yourself. Over time if you are not careful it is easy to discover there is a closet full of items that are not truly special. Sometimes these items are not worn, and may still have the price tags attached to them. Here are some shopping tips for those addicted to updating their wardrobes often.

Becoming selective about what items you choose to buy is important. Trying on items before purchasing them helps you to increase the possibility that the item will actually become a part of your working wardrobe. Most people only wear the clothes they really love on a regular basis.

No matter how high your salary is, decide on a budget for monthly shopping. This amount certainly will grow and change based on your lifestyle and career path.

Invest in better quality items.  An entry level employee out of college who starts working may feel out of place if their clothes are not up to par with their co workers. It is always better to have ten great outfits of high quality, than a closet full of trendy business casual items. This same theory applies for anyone no matter what their clothing choices are each day. A stay at home parent that loves thin worn in t shirts, may splurge on designer t shirts. Examples are buying from J Crew or buying silk blend or cashmere t shirts. These fabrics are often dyed with more expensive materials and are designed to be flattering and will look great after a few seasons.

Curb your fashion desires by investing in key pieces each season. Select a few trendy items that work well with what you already own. Saving your excess shopping budget from month to month, will ensure there is cash available for great deals for clothing with higher price tags. Use these tips to look great and easily keep an undated wardrobe.

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Learning About Hip-Hop Fashion

Iraqi Hip Hop dancers and Michael Parks Master...

Image via Wikipedia

Hip-hop clothing has been around for nearly 30 years. In the beginning, artists would select specific brands of clothing they liked and could constantly be seen in that same clothing. It didn’t take long before the people who enjoyed their music wanted to emulate their style and began buying the same lines of clothing. Starting in larger more populated cities with a larger urban community, these trends would eventually push out to supporters all over the nation and even in other countries where the artist’s music was popular. Before long, companies began to take notice of this trend.

Soon manufacturers were making shoes just for rappers and other hip hop icons. In their lyrics, musicians would oftentimes talk about the labels they wore, a trend that is still common in today’s music. Further down the road, some of the rappers and hip-hop icons that created these styles would launch their own clothing lines. Marketed to the same segment of people that listened to their music, rappers and hip-hop artists would extend their clothing lines into many markets, including seasonal clothing, accessories, audio visual equipment, and even premium vodkas and other luxury items.

Today, these clothing lines are more popular than ever and have built an industry that is worth billions of dollars. Rappers like Jay-Z have created popular lines of clothing under the Rocawear brand name, which produced revenues in excess of 700 million dollars in 2007. His line of clothing, founded in 1999, includes accessories, footwear, jeans, pants, shorts, shirts, outerwear, lounge-wear, hoodies and sweaters for men, and a line for women including tops, bottoms, dresses, intimates, footwear, and more. Rocawear has also expanded to offer children’s clothing as well. This line of clothing is an example of a brand that creates a lifestyle around it, one that Jay-Z has called “Roc4Life.”

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How to Spend Less Time Shopping

Do you really dislike shopping, but want to find good deals ? Many stores are often crowded or simply never seem to have exactly what you are looking. Here are some ways to spend less time shopping.

Markdown Days

Schedule when to shop. Contact local stores and ask them when certain items go on sale during the week. The first person you contact at the store may not come out and tell you the information you need. Take some time and call different departments before going in person. One example is my local mall has many department stores that do true markdowns during the week. Target does markdowns on Tuesdays and larger stores like Macys and JC Penny all follow a schedule for marking down items. Many sales associates know the schedule and will freely share this information.

Online Shopping

Sign up for your favorite retailers mailing list. Those that offer online shopping will send special discounts and coupon codes to entice customers to buy. These online stores often send unadvertised coupons to help move merchandise that is in stores. There are many unadvertised online deals that can be found by searching by the lowest price, or in the clearance section.

Shopping List

Create a list of the items you would like to buy, and the price range. This helps to quickly identify what items may be great choices to try on, and select something to purchase. If family members can not shop with you in person, bring their current measurements to the store. Use a tape measure to make sure the length and waistline will fit.

Doing a bit of investigative work is the best way to find out when local stores have true sales. Online shopping and email alerts can help you catch bargains that you may have missed in the store. Shopping lists are a great way to quickly shop and prevent impulse purchases.

Filed Under: Adults, Online Shopping Tagged With: , ,
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