Know Your Man: Physical Appearance

"The good thing about being a man: You don't give a rat's ass if no-one notices your new haircut. Gray hair and wrinkles add character." ~ Anon

The first time Alex and I went to Rod, our new hairdresser, I followed Alex to the chair and started giving my opinion on how his hair should be cut. Rod immediately cut me off saying: it is his hair, how about the two of us decide what looks good according to his wants?

Of course, he was very diplomatic as not to offend me, but I immediately caught the clue and asked him about this very topic. I told Rod I was writing this book and needed to know more about this subject. He told me that he feels sorry for the guys who come in with their girlfriends and they insist that their men have a certain hair cut. Men being the pleasing types they are, immediately comply.

I then kept thinking about dress style and so on and what I have imposed my taste on my partners. It is so very true that not only I, but many of us, make our men have the appearance we want them to. For instance, I like mustaches. Well, all my men had a mustache when we were together. To my husbands, I would buy them clothes I liked. It was always a matter of "educating" them to what looked good on them, regardless of what they thought would look good on them.

I had a friend who was the nicest looking man in the city where we lived (to my taste, of course). He used to wear dress pants, nice shoes, great shirts, suspenders, and a bow-tie. A bow-tie! That was incredibly charming. He told me that he was not always like that and that his girlfriend had taught him how to dress. Way to go, woman!

Granted, most men have no clue how to dress appropriately. They truly need help. I wonder why their mothers never taught them that, or perhaps, they never learned. There are many books on the subject, or, perhaps, there should be a course in college: "Appearance 101: How to look good," where they would learn about colors, styles, etc. My biggest pet peeve about men"too many of them to ignore" is the eternal cap they insist upon wearing, that is so unbecoming and prevent us from looking them in the eyes.

Speaking of cap, in all my classes, I used asked my students to remove their hats so I could see their eyes. Some of them resented that, but they all complied. One student was very resistant but seeing that it was a good move to obey me, he did so. His hair looked unraveled, of course; his appearance was not that impressive either: he was overweight and sloppily dressed. Well, next class, I noticed that his hair was different. He had cut it. Then, slowly, I noticed a significant change in his appearance. By the end of the 15 week semester, he had lost 30lb, had bought new clothes, looked absolutely stunning, and found a nice girlfriend. Not to mention that he got and "A" in the course. Now, is this a good story or what? And just because I insisted he removed his hat in class. He was absolutely grateful and thrilled. And so was I.

I am now teaching my son that first impressions count tremendously and that he shall always strive to look his best: hair, clothes, shoes, teeth, ears, grooming, etc. Yet, it seems that there is another faulty gene here (or is it in every man?) for many times he is totally inappropriate: the other day, he wanted to go to the opera wearing clothes that were 100% uncoordinated and tennis shoes! Gasp! Of course, I had him change but not without a little apprehension about my limiting his self expression.

Now, this said and done, we must understand that, ultimately, the way a man dresses needs to be entirely up to him. If we don't like it when we meet them, we will not like them later on. We can always try to coax them into something more appropriate; however, if he doesn't comply, we need to lower our expectations or close our eyes.

A Word of Advice
Ladies: Hints do not work. If you think your man does not dress appropriately, tell him so and give many suggestions always respecting his opinion on about what feels good and comfortable. Buy him a book with many pictures.

Gents: Listen to your woman's suggestions but be the one to decide what you want to wear.

© Maria Moratto 2006
Want to have more abundance, health, time, love, fun, and blessings? Visit Prescription For Bliss at http://www.rx4bliss.com, sign up for the newsletter and receive a fr*ee ebook called "Happy People Are More Abundant!"
Dr. Maria Moratto is the author of "The Inspired Healing For Your Body, Mind, and Soul," "The Inspired Healing Journal: Mending Your Broken Heart," and "Attract Money Journal." Visit her site to get fr*ee affirmation cards.
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How To Catch His Eye

Yes, we all have experienced those nights when we walk into a party, club or bar and feel very insignificant. There's always that one girl who stands out in the crowd. We all know her. We envy her. We all want to be her. She's the one who has guys lining up to buy her a drink and never has to stand alone.

We all want to be this woman but how? It's simple. We've already heard the cliché term "beauty comes from within" but the beauty within won't get you that hot guy to notice you.

So now, we are faced with a challenge. What attracts guys? Why do almost all guys drool over Angelina Jolie, but just think that Jennifer Garnier is "cute?" We've all seen Carmen Electra, Pamela Anderson and Denise Richards and wonder what is it about these women?? It's simple. All you need is that one dress that's short but not too short. That reveals a little but leaves the rest to the imagination. Remember that the following information is steered toward getting that man that you've been eyeing. This information should not be used daily.

The rule to finding a hot mini dress is that you should focus on one and ONLY one part of your body to show off. It is important that if you are showing off those sexy long legs of yours with a short flowing skirt or a tight hip hugging skirt, you SHOULD NOT wear a low cut shirt on top.

The next important rule is color. Research has shown that the color red is what catches a man's attention. Researchers say that this is due to the fact that subconsciously men connect this color to sex. If you find red too bold to wear, steer toward less bold colors. It is important to stay away from pastels, as they steer toward the "cute" look.

This advice should be followed when going out at night. Walk out during the day to the supermarket or to work in a short mini dress and you might get tons of stares but this type of attention is not the type that attracts men. This is one of the most important lessons that readers could ever learn. Beautiful women are beautiful because they know that different occasions require different looks. Master this, and you will soon be the woman in the bar that all other women want to be and all men want to talk to.

Grace Chen started http://www.myrisquelingerie.com so that all women could feel sexy and beautiful.

Art of Conversation - The Put Down, a Big No No

The Put Down: The Unintentional Conversation Killer

Ever have a conversation that went something like this: Girl: "So what do you do?" You: (About to speak.) Bert: "This guy, all he does is sit at home and play video games all day. I mean he's so lazy his mom still does his laundry." You: (Wanting to give him a slap on the face for making you look bad in front of the girl you're interested in.) Actually, I work with children on developing their confidence through public speaking presentations. Bert: Yeah presentations on how to chase girls all the time!

I think there have been times when we've all met someone like "Bert" in our life. He's the person that seems to always unintentionally insult us. He often means it as a joke, and then when you mention to him that he should stop, he either says "Can't you take a joke" or is defensive about the situation because he's felt like he's been personally attacked. I can tell you from personal experience and from having an older brother that I've felt insulted from the words he says about me. And it stung, and most of the time out of politeness I bit my tongue. Sometimes it has happened with close friends that I have known for a long time and sometimes it's from strangers I've met for only five minutes. Chances are it happens to you all the time as well. Let's look at a few reasons why people do the above scenario. Most of the reasons that people will insult you are because they aren't even aware of what's being said. People will try to insult you because they want to get the approval of the group, and so if they can make the group laugh at your expense they feel like they're in. It's the equivalent of roasting someone during a comedy show.

And when a group does laugh, they get that validation and therefore may even stack another joke on top of this. This may occur when people are meeting someone new and want to fit into the group as soon as possible. An example of this might be "Look at Bert girls, what do you think of his pink shirt girls, I mean come on...Pink? I think the metrosexual look was so last year!" The girls might laugh. "Come on man, dress up like a real guy. Seriously, don't dress like a pansy when you come out!" The girls smile at the insulter. Remember there's no need to insult someone to get approval from the group. If you're a witty person, positive, a good listener and outgoing, you don't need to put down anybody. Sometimes people will insult each other unintentionally because they are competing for a girl or a guy in the group. And in order to do it, they try to make the other one look as bad as possible. You happen to be out at a party. Your good friend introduces you to someone new. She's attractive and you strike up a conversation. Your friend comes along and then goes "Have you met this guy yet? You know he does weed almost every weekend. He practically grows it. Oh by the way I'm Bert.

So who do you know at this party?" Bert is doing this because he's also interested and wants to appear as the better candidate. While there are some dating advice books that advocate that you should insult a person to disqualify them as a potential dating candidate. I truly believe this isn't necessary. When you're meeting people it is much better be truly admired for your charisma. Let's face it Nelson Mandela probably never had to insult anybody to get them to pay attention to him. Then there are times when people don't know they're even insulting someone to begin with. If you ask them why they do it, they don't even know. It's almost become second nature for them just to make fun of people when they talk. These might be the sarcastic types or people who do feel insecure about themselves. Many times these people are not in touch with their emotions and therefore can't explain why well. Don't be surprised if these people get defensive if you confront them about the issue. For example another common scene I see is when two people are being introduced by a mutual friend that the two new acquaintances may decide to bond on embarrassing experiences they've witnessed of the mutual friend.

Friend 1: "That's so funny. I remember there was a time that he wanted to ask this girl out and he just stood there frozen. But he was still drooling. To be honest she was okay looking. "

Friend 2: "I know, what's up with him. I mean I think the girls he goes after are okay looking. Nothing special really." WOOOO...let's stop it there. When someone is kind enough to introduce the two of you together, don't go insulting that person. He's taken the time to introduce you and you end up insulting the guy? What makes you think he'll ever introduce you to any of his friends after that? I sincerely doubt he will again.

I know I wouldn't. Whether the person he introduces you to is interesting or not, don't be ungrateful for the new opportunity to meet someone new. The charismatic suggestion in a situation like that is to ensure that you put a positive spin about the person. There are times when I'm in the situation of Friend 2 where I could stack insults but instead I put a positive spin and try to make people laugh. Here was a real life situation where a group of us were in van. Friend 1: "Hey Ed how come you have so many tools in your van. What are you a terrorist?" (This might seem funny, but it's not very witty, and quite insulting. I don't think a lot of people want to be referred to as a terrorist.) Myself: "Yes, he is. He's a TERRORIST OF LOVE! Right? You are a ladies man!" (In a playful tone.) The response had the whole car laughing, but this is because I changed the insulting comment into a positive comment. If you start practicing this, changing negative statements into positive humorous statements, then you will have understood a big part of being charming. Noticed what I didn't do was stack on the insult in order to try to feel validated as part of the group or with that person. Friendships can break up because of too much insulting that goes on in every day chat. People might be able to put up with it at the start, but over time it becomes frustrating and unforgivable.

I've personally asked people not to invite back their acquaintances and friends because they seem to keep insulting the guests I bring. Now you might be asking yourself, "How do I know if I'm one of those people?" There's usually a few signs that you can follow. You're not being called out by your friends. This may be due to social awkwardness, but sometimes it's because you've been too much of a jerk to them. You only seem comfortable insulting people, and you think by doing that you're being funny. You're friends have told you that you're being rude and you just act defensive. The other thing is that your friend will literally stop talking to you for a while after you've made an insulting comment about him/her. So there might be a strange pause, and she's given you the cold shoulder through out the night. You've been described as overly sarcastic. Being too sarcastic can be at times interpreted as insulting. The best suggestion I can make is for you is to take your time and really analyze what you're saying to other people.

If you find yourself about to say something negative about someone, then you need to stop and ask yourself, what could I say that would sound more charismatic and funny as opposed to an insult? Keep this in mind, just because you don't find what you say offensive, or rude, that doesn't mean another person doesn't. Just remember not everybody shares the exact same sense of humour that you do. Now if you really don't know if you're putting down people unknowingly, then I would suggest you ask some close friends to ask them if you do. Let them know that you want to be a more charming speaker and that you want to correct this area of your life if it does exist. I'm sure you're friends may be hesitant at first, but this absolutely must be fixed if you desire to be a charming conversationalist. Most people I know are generally forgiving for the first few times, but after a while it can be very annoying, and then to the point where someone might blow up in your face. I've found that charismatic people don't need to put down other people to feel that they belong. They don't need a make a joke at someone else's expense. They are confident to talk about themselves and other topics. Charismatic speakers, don't put down people, they bring them up.

Vincent Ng is a conversation coach. He has taught conversation courses to hundreds of people on how to be more charismatic in social and professional environments. He is the author of the book, Art of Conversation: From Small Talk to Deep Conversations, you can visit his website http://www.conversationarts.com

Wedding Bridesmaid Dresses in Toronto

Weddings consist of several individuals. There is the bride and groom. There is a best man, a maid of honour, bride's maids and ushers. While a bride's dress is an event in its own right, the groom and ushers are left to simply either rent tuxedos, have the groom buy a tuxedo for sentimental purposes, however, an event just as big as a bride picking out her dress are the brides' maids having dresses made out, but the interesting part of a bride's maid dress is, the bride's maid dress is that they are the ones wearing a gown they will set the tone in terms of colour coordination, style and theme.

Some of the best seamstresses in the city of Toronto to offer you incredible selection of having a bride to be choose the most appropriate wedding bridesmaids dresses for your wedding. There are some cases where certain brides have family members in place capable of getting a mother, aunt or grandmother to make the dresses or a family could own a custom dress shop where dresses are made, however, if none of this applies to you, then the only alternative is to contact a professional seamstress or to go dress shopping for all of your bridesmaids.

There are several dress shops throughout Toronto, Ontario, Canada; however, there are also several custom bridesmaids dress shops in cities like, Mississauga, North York, Scarborough, East York, Brampton, Oakville, Oshawa, Richmond Hill, Aurora, Vaughn, Woodbridge, Maple, Hamilton, Burlington and as far as Niagara Falls, in the Southern part of Ontario. There are many specialty bridesmaids boutique style shops that cater to the overwhelming demand of supplies with wedding bridesmaids dresses for bridesmaids to suit a wedding that will needs to colour coordinate for that special wedding celebration.

When choosing a wedding bridesmaid dress, keep in mind that there are several factors that contribute to the decision to be made by the bride to be. Things like colour of the dresses, bridesmaids dresses must be a colour that the bride want to be representation of the wedding or to be a colour that she really likes. Another factor is the style of dress; typically bridesmaids' dresses are long and elegant to be an appropriate touch to the wedding reception. However, in today's society, wedding traditions have gotten more bold and courageous with attire mimicking real life entertainment.

However, in the end, a wedding bridesmaid dress is as a bride wants it to be. With the help of Babylon Productions Wedding Centre, located in Toronto, Ontario Canada, they can assist you in finding that special boutique for your special event throughout Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Richmond Hill, Scarborough, North York, East York, and Woodbridge and as far as Niagara Falls in the southern Ontario region. So Babylon Productions wishes you good luck on your wedding day and make sure the wedding bridesmaids' dresses are beautiful, regardless!

Toronto Wedding
Wedding Photography & Video Productions Toronto we specialize in individually tailored Wedding Photography, Videos and DVD's, offering an experienced, highly professional and affordable service. for more info vist:http://www.VideoBabylon.ca/

What to Wear With a Men's Blazer Jacket

The beauty of the men's blazer is that it goes with almost anything. For the purpose of this discourse, by blazer we mean a classic single-breasted navy wool coat with brass buttons. Over gray flannel slacks, a white button-down oxford shirt and a striped tie, it makes a classic outfit that in the United States registers just shy of a suit on the formality scale. On the weekend, the same blazer over chinos and a polo shirt makes a very smart casual outfit. In this article we will discuss some basic means of wearing a men's blazer jacket for work and leisure.

If you work in a business casual office, the blazer gives you a simple solution to the tricky problem of dressing respectably without appearing aloof. In a workplace dominated by polo shirts and khakis, the man who has the class to throw a blazer on over the ensemble looks distinctive without standing out. A dress shirt with a button-down collar and gray flannels are also worthy accompaniments for a blazer; add a tie to take it up a notch. A point collar shirt formalizes the ensemble a tad more, and here one should stop. Contrast collars really belong under a suit, and even if the formality of French cuffs were not an issue, having cuff-links next to brass sleeve buttons creates a discordant clash. For footwear, bluchers, loafers, and monk-strap dress shoes are all good options.

The outfits described above are also smart choices for dinner in a nice restaurant or a morning religious service. In fact, the blazer will serve you well for most weekend activities, from taking in a play in most American cities to cheering on a girls' softball team. It looks aristocratic and dignified over an ecru turtleneck and your trusty gray flannels; for a laid-back look in the summer wear it with off-white pants and a bright polo. While it is perfectly acceptable to wear a blazer with jeans, and indeed the combination can look very stylish, one must take care that pants and coat are not too close in color. This goes for any jacket and pants combination: if it's not a suit, it shouldn't look like one from a distance.

When it comes to dress shirts, as said above a button-down oxford is the classic. Besides solids, a broad variety of stripes and checks, including many that would look garish with a suit, mix well with a blazer. The latter's dark, solid fabric looks good next to just about anything, and the shiny buttons amply counterweight bold patterns. For a more casual look go with a long-sleeve polo shirt or a turtleneck depending on the climate. The urbane silk tee-shirt and tight-fitting knit shirt tend to clash in their modernity with the blazer's long heritage, and work better with a suit jacket.

In cooler weather, you way want to don a sweater under your blazer jacket. If you're going without a tie, a cable-knit or argyle crew-neck will add some life to the outfit. The V-neck worn over a tie may also be patterned or textured, but can be solid as well.

A few words on neckwear and accessories: the tie you wear with a blazer should be in keeping with its sporty dressiness. Woven silks in polka dots, bold stripes, and other simple patterns do this grandly, as do knits of silk or wool. The bowtie with white shirt and blue blazer looks sophisticated on the few men who know precisely how and when to wear it, but goofy on most everyone else. Beyond ties, any pocket square that harmonizes with the rest of the outfit adds a dash of style. For younger men, it will also ensure that a blazer and white shirt don't look like a prep school uniform. For belts, follow the old rule: match leather to leather, metal to metal. That means brown with brown shoes, although it can be a different shade of brown, and black with black. The buckle should be brass to coordinate with the buttons.

As you can see, the possibilities with a blazer really are endless. It is perhaps the best investment a man can make in his wardrobe, as it virtually doubles the choices he has each morning when getting dressed. It will serve nobly in a wide range of situations, and never go out of style.

Antonio Centeno is president of A Tailored Suit, an online American boutique fine-clothing merchant specializing in bespoke men's suits, shirts, jackets, and overcoats. He and his partners launched the company with the mission of helping men create the clothing that best enhances their individual style. Antonio has studied men's clothing design in London, Hong Kong, and Bangkok. He is a former Marine Corps Officer and holds an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin and a BA from Cornell College.

To read more articles about classic men's style, please visit http://www.atailoredsuit.com and visit the company's style guide.

Celebrities, Designer Dresses and Latest Fashion Forecast For 2009

Chic Tough Girl Looks, Military Influences, and Seductive Jumpsuits rule the Runway.

The New Year is barely in the door and we are already looking to our favorite celebrities to show us how to make this our best year in Fashion yet. Anne Hathaway is a celebrity style icon in the making already, with her raven hair and creamy skin. With her fashion break out role in The Devil Wear Prada, the public took notice of her expressive appearance. While recently in the pages of Vogue and InStyle magazines, she resonates in Versace, Thakoon, and Marchesa. Her casual side is appealing to many as well, having been photographed in a military influenced jacket. This Sergeant Pepper inspired look will be hot in 2009, and will be seen in electric blue, orange, and red, in addition to the more traditional look of black or olive. Pair with form fitting pants, boots, and a simple t-shirt. The fashion accessories can be pared down as shiny metallic buttons will festoon across the jackets. Piles of metal chains will be your ideal accessory choice for a plain shirt.

Love her or hate her, Victoria Beckham will continue to rule the fashion world, with the fashionistas waiting hungrily for her next hair style or statement. A fashion brand herself, she will continue to reinvent her own look of elegant flamboyance style. Look to Victoria to be the enduring face of high glamour, as anything worth leaving the house for should be dressed for. Body skimming, elegant dresses with an element of exaggeration are her forte, like the black Dolce dress she wore recently in Dubai. Look for Victoria to also influence the menswear look with her seductive take on wearing high waisted, fluid moving pants that are hot off designer runway. The new soft silhouette of pants will be worn in various lengths this year from chic cropped styles to the floor skimming variety, and topped with smart jackets, feminine blouses, and knits.

While it was recently reported that she hates the words "boho chic", Kate Hudson is certainly an influence for it. Her laid back California way of dressing makes her look a favorite to women of all ages. She embodies comfort, with a fashion style. Kate's take on combining patterns, color, and a an easy aesthetic will rule many closets this year - think dresses by Marc by Marc Jacobs, Prada, and M Missoni. Missoni knits feature an incredible weave of colors that give only a nod to the boho look and make knits the comfortable choice. Natasha Leratti offers an affordable knit look at her latest fashion designer collection website, in a citrus kissed yellow mini dress, accented by the ever popular black and white.

As a new celebrity who dresses the celebrities, Rachel Zoe's own style has taken storm due to her reality show. One can't miss the larger than life luxurious fur vests she favors, paired with skirts or skinny jeans. While she favors vintage, her look has an exotic flair that evokes a Russia meets West Coat influence. Strong prints in rich colors, chunky knits, and bold jewelry are the staple of her look. We will look to her to show us how to mix unusual textures and prints. Rachel is a perfect example of being able to dress high-low by taking a vintage $2000 Chanel gown and mixing it with a $98 faux fur vest from The Limited. Not only is her look fun and fresh, it inspires our inner designer to take risks in mixing styles.

Tough Girl or Biker Chic will edge its way back in, due to the strong women it evokes. The rock style looks of Rihanna and Pink brings their influence to a look that can be dressed up or down. Rihanna will be a style setter for this year with her stunning good looks and cutting edge fashion style. Her sweet smile accentuates her glam rocker appeal. Little black dresses are topped off with edgy fitted jackets that offer zippers, rips, and a sharper structure. While leather seems like an obvious choice, look for unusual takes on the jacket that include fitted knit sweaters over skinny black pants and boots. Leather pants and thigh high boots are creating a tough but glam look. Studded accents on designer handbags or boots are offset with shiny sequins to bring in a feminine touch. A Balenciaga Biker Bag may set you back thousands of dollars for this look, but consider checking out leratti.com to find her take on new and vintage designer handbags to suit this look.

While it may take awhile for this trend to gain steam, many celebrities have been photographed wearing the new jumpsuit. Kate Hudson, Scarlett Johannsen, and Rosario Dawsen have been seen adding their touch to this retro look. Chunky belts, long chains, and miles of bangles add spunk and glamour to an otherwise simple style. Look for silky, flowy materials that accentuate movement, and show subtle glimpses of skin. Styles will be long or cropped, and will be set off with sexy high heels or boots. The jumpsuit can be dressed down for day, or up for cocktail hour, and may prove to have a versatile ability for the modern women. Look for spring neutrals to bring a safari -tinged feel to the style.

Whoever your style icon may be, develop your own sense of style. Natasha Leratti is a Miami based High End Fashion Designer with a cutting edge vibe and distinct sense of style.

Your Fashion Guru and Stylist,
Natasha Leratti

Fashion Designer, born in Europe, studied from best known masters in the world, now designing and presanting her collections in United States and Europe. Visit us at http://www.leratti.com

Men's Formal Wear - How To Dress With Style

When looking at men's formal wear you need to follow some simple basic guidelines to get an instant classic look which
projects a sense of style.

Getting the right look with men's formal wear is not difficult, if you follow the image guidelines below.

Your suit

In men's formal wear let's start with choosing a formal suit.

1. Style

Changes, but you can't go wrong with a single-breasted, solid color suit in black, grey or navy blue and always remember a single-breasted suit will make you look slimmer and sleeker in appearance.

In men's formal wear a stylish suit can conjure up a number of images, all of them positive.

A suit can make you look powerful, mature, conservative, or sexy. Remember, most women love men in suits!

2. Fabrics and Patterns

Wool is always a safe option when buying a suit. It looks good and wears well.

Worsted wools are lightweight for spring and summer. Gabardine wools are heavier for winter. Wool Crepes are lightweight with softer finishes. Flannel wools are heaviest. Patterns for interview suits are limited to solids, stripes (pinstripe, chalk stripe, beaded-stripe, multistripe), Glen plaids, and checks (hounds-tooth, windowpane, and herringbone).

Picking The Right Shirt

Generally men with narrow faces can choose collars that are wider, to help broaden their faces; conversely, men with wider faces should choose collars that are narrower, to help lengthen their faces.

Ties

Suits come in basic styles and colors, but ties let you show your individuality within a formal look.

If you want to make a bold statement wear a patterned tie with a patterned shirt, make sure that the color schemes are the same and that the patterns go in the same direction.

Finally, don't forget the Length: It should hit the top of your belt buckle and the deal width of ties is between 3 and 4 inches.

Men's Formal Wear Combining Tie's Shirts & Suits

When choosing a jacket-shirt-and-tie trio, match its level of color contrast to your personal colouring.

Your colouring consists of your complexion and hair color.

If you're coloring is high-contrast i.e. dark hair and light skin, or vice versa--your jacket, tie, and shirt combo should be high contrast, too. But if your hair-hide contrast is softer and lighter i.e. you're blond or gray-haired with pale skin, or dark-skinned with dark hair--you should go for lower-contrast clothes.

Two different scales For Balance When you're combining two like patterns in the jacket-shirt-tie triangle, they should be of different gauges.

If your suit has pinstripes 3/4 inch apart, your tie should have significantly broader or thinner bands. If your suit is a striped one (with lines more than an inch apart), your shirt's stripes should be narrower and closer together.

If you wear two different designs within the lapel triangle--say, a checked shirt and a striped tie, or a striped suit and repeating-medallion tie--they should be different scales in size If your shirt has a narrow stripe, your tie needs a wider stripe i.e. pair large with small.

De Emphasize

Choose clothes that de-emphasize your extremes.

If you're short, look for strong vertical elements: pinstriped suits, two-button jackets. If you're very thin, choose a jacket with wider shoulders. If you have a heavier build then Wear darker colors and go monotone from top to bottom.

Watches

The first thing to look for in a man's watch is a large face, as these designs are generally accepted by everyone as looking stylish.

Get a nice belt

Don't forget your belt you want quality, a good quality belt doesn't have to be expensive and is money well spent.

Your belt color should be coordinated with your footwear - black with black, brown with brown.

Shoes

Black is the traditional safe color for work but Brown or ox blood colors can also look stylish.

You can also use a variety of styles including loafers, wingtips, round-toe, or the trendier pointy-tipped shoe.

Shoes are no place to economize on quality. For men, shoes are the final detail and are one of the areas all women notice.

FREE Image and Style Guides

Men's formal wear can really make a great impression if worn in the right way.

Further information & FREE style guide for men

Image consultants can help you in terms of recommending items for your wardrobe and providing a personal shopper service.

For more information on men’s formal wear and FREE style guides visit:

http://www.premierimageconsultants.co.uk

Wrist Watches For Men - Casual Or Dress

Wrist watches for men are a popular jewelry accessory. Watches come in all sorts of styles and a wide variety of prices. Choose the proper wristwatch to say to the world that your time is an important commodity.

In choosing a wristwatch, you will need to know if you prefer an analog watch or a digital. An additional choice is the combination analog/digital watch.

Digital watches are very precise. They do not need to be adjusted. They are very precise down to the second. In addition, by pressing the right combination of buttons, you can view the time in military or traditional settings. Press a few more buttons and you have a stopwatch.

While digital watches are fine for most settings, nothing sets apart a professional than a quality analog watch. Analog watch quality is measured by jewels.

Most dress watches are analog watches. They generally have a leather band and are very thin. Dress watches are designed to fit under the sleeve of a jacket. They should not have a bezel that turns or has markings as this could keep the watch from slipping under the sleeve.

Casual watches are made for everyday wear. A metal band is a better choice for this watch, since it will be worn in many kinds of environments. The metal is more resistant to perspiration than leather.

Sport watches are more rugged than dress or casual watches. They are generally larger in size. Most are shock resistant and waterproof. These watches often have a bezel that rotates.

If you have decided to buy a high quality watch, then you should visit a jeweler. These expensive watches should not be bought sight unseen. In addition, many watch manufacturers forbid the sale of their product on the internet. They are so determined to stop the practice that many void the warranty of any watch sold through the internet. You should also remember that there are many fakes available. The fake watch may be beautiful to look at, but have the inside workings of a twenty dollar watch. You do not want to spend thousands of dollars to get a replica watch.

So if you are buying a watch and want inexpensive accuracy, buy a quartz digital watch. They are not only cheap, but accurate. If you have any difficulty, just throw it away and buy another. If you are buying at the other end of the spectra, choose your watches for men from a reputable dealer.

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How To Tell If He's Gay

There are stereotypes circulating about every walk of life. We all know that it is wrong to generalize, and that there are always 'exceptions' to what is widely believed about a particular group. Stereotypes are simply exaggerations and broad generalizations of looks or behavior of groups. It is said that there is certainly an element of truth behind the ideas that we would consider to be stereotypes. When it comes to homosexuality, do many of them actually fit the stereotype, or are there only a small few who fit the mold?

Can you tell if a man is gay by looking at him? Some people say that you can. There is a certain way that a man stands, sits, walks and dresses that is typically considered 'gay.' Commonly, it is the flexed hand, feminine twitch in the walk, and a feminine lean (with the hip sticking out to one side) when they stand. It has also been said that there is a particular look within a gay man's eyes that tells you he is homosexual. This look in the eyes is something that is very difficult to actually describe, and only some people can actually see this 'gay' look in a man's eyes.

Can you tell if a man is gay by his interests? Some people think that it's possible. An interest in hair, make-up, and fashion are often considered as feminine or 'gay' characteristics. There are many confirmations of gay men in these professions however, not all men in these professions are gay. Some gay men have 'normal' manly jobs. Men who are concerned with their appearance and do certain things, like wax or keep their nails nice, may be a straight metro-sexual.

How can you tell the different between a metro-sexual and a gay man? There is no real obvious or explainable indicator of this. A man who spends more time and money on his appearance than the average male is not always gay. Perhaps you can look in their eyes to see if you can find 'the look.' If they don't walk or stand in a feminine way, then how can you really tell that they are gay?

Is it possible to tell that a man is gay by the sound of his voice? Many people might say so. The truth is that many gay men do have softer, higher pitched, more feminine voices. Of course, there are muscular, very masculine men with deep voices that are gay.

Is there really any way to tell? I suppose it depends on that person. If they are trying to make a point about their sexual orientation, it will be obvious. If they are not, it will probably be more difficult to tell. There are signals within the gay community that help gay men find each other. Perhaps it takes one to know one. Otherwise, some straight people have a sort of sixth sense when it comes to spotting someone gay. I would say, when in doubt, ask, but you never know how they will react.

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How to Dress - Part 2

In part one of this article we were trying to show why clothes are important, for example, for our business position or functioning in the society. We have also told what does it mean to be elegant and how we can manage that. In this part we would like to tell something about dress codes and matching clothes and occasions.

Our clothes should always match our appearance in general - figure, age, and of course the occasion. For example clothes that we wear while being at the weekend trip are usually totally different than the one that we wear in the office or at official party. The way we look also depends on the weather, time of day or time of year. That's why we have different types of dress codes.

What types of dress codes do we have? We can talk about three types of dress codes: business wear (called also informal wear), formal wear and semi-formal wear.

Mostly business wear means dress that we wear till 8 pm, and for a man it means wearing a regular suit and for a woman a short dress. Sometimes informal wear is divided into three subcategories: business dress (classic business wear), business casual (a comfort that goes with elegance which is important for a good image of company; not the kind of clothes that we wear on the evening meeting but we can wear it on business journey; most important characters of this type of code is that man don't have to wear ties but they can't be seen in jeans), casual dress which means that we can wear jeans at company picnic.

Formal wear is this type of clothing that we wear to evening meetings and parties. It can be worn only to big events like weddings or usually after 8 pm. Formal wear for man is usually frock coat or tuxedo. Those garments are worn usually in the evenings. When we are going on the early wedding we can dress into so called swallow (type of jacket). When it comes to woman she can wear all types of dresses (usually not to short). But if her companion wears frock coat she should wear long dresses.

Semi-formal wear is something between informal and formal dress. Semi-formal for man is dark suit with white shirt and not too sparkly tie, for woman a short dress that can be replaced by the tailor-made dress. Semi-formal tailor-made dress differs from the one that is worn in a day - it's a little bit more delicate and made of lighter material with more intense color.

This is the end of part two of this article which showed in shortcut what types of dress codes do we have. In third part we will tell something about accessories and most common mistakes that we make while dressing formal wear and not only.

Read more our articles about formal wear, tuxedos

Dress Etiquette: What to Wear

People like to dress appropriately for an event, be it a dinner out with friends or an important wedding. But host and hostesses should be clear when issuing invitations what the desired dress is. I've received many ambiguous related invitations over the years and wanted to help others dicipher the vague dress-requests they might receive.

-If you're not sure how to dress, over dress for an event. Many people interrupt dressing for an event. You'll feel less obvious if you over -dress.

-Formal. Black tie (tuxedo) for men, floor length gowns for women.

-Black tie preferred, optional or invited. Tuxedo is the preferred choice for men, if the man does wear a tux then the women should be in a formal floor length gown. However if the man does not wear a tux, he will wear a dark suit, white shirt and conservative tie. A women in this case will wear a short dinner gown or an evening suit, a skirt with matching jacket.

-Dressy casual. Dress pants with matching jackets but no tie for men and dresses or dark pantsuits for women.

-Business casual. Pressed dress pants or khaki twills with a collared shirt, but no tie. Never wear jeans to a business casual event. Socks and belts required for men. Women can wear pants or skirts with hose and a collared shirt. No flip-flops.

-Casual. Typically anything goes, but if you have never been with the host or hostess and it says casual, it's better to over-dress until you have a better understanding of how they define casual.

Mark Nash is the author of "Fundamentals of Marketing for the Real Estate Professional", "Starting & Succeeding in Real Estate", "Reaching Out: The Financial Power of Niche Marketing", and "1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home". Mark is a contributing writer for: Realtor (R) Magazine Online, Broker Agent News, Real Estate Executive Magazine, Principal Broker, and Realty Times. He contributes residential real estate analysis to Business Week, CBS The Early Show, CNN, HGTVpro.com, The New York Times, and USA Today.

View his books at http://www.1001RealEstateTips.com

Men's Dress Shirts - Shirt Style Details (Collars, Cuffs, Pockets, Etc)

Over the past half-century, the dress shirt has gone from being an undergarment to holding a prominent place in many outfits. This is one reason why it is today available in so many styles, colors, and patterns. Whether one's style is chinos or suit-and-tie, shirts are an essential means of expanding one's wardrobe.

A shirt's style signals quite a bit about the wearer's intentions. A dress shirt with a button-down collar, left breast pocket, plain front, and single-button cuffs signals leisure while a dress shirt with a turned-down point collar, no breast pocket, placket front, and French cuffs signals formality. The beauty of adjusting a shirt's style is that you can design it for not only for the occasion but also to compliment your unique features.

Shirt Collars

The men's dress shirt collar is the most important style detail, both in determining the garment's level of formality and in how it flatters the wearer's face. Button-down collars are the least formal and extremely versatile; they look great without a tie but can just as well support a tie and sweater, blazer, or sport coat combination. The wing collar, on the other hand, is reserved for formal wear and should always be worn with its companion parts. It is the least versatile collar, whose sole purpose is to signal the highest level of dress.

Most men's dress shirts sport some sort of pointed collar, but there is huge room for variety here. While the standard point collar looks good on most men, those with narrower faces do better with slightly shorter ones, while round faces carry well above long collar points. As a general rule, the greater the angle between the short sides of the collar points, the more formal the presentation. Spread collars, which leave a wide opening between them, take large tie knots especially well. The edges of the cut-away collar nearly form a straight line above the tie knot; this is the most formal collar arrangement. An exception to the parallelism of spread and formality is the tab collar: here little tabs of fabric extending from each side connect behind the tie knot, holding the collar close together and projecting the knot outward for a precise, no-nonsense look. The white contrast collar, in any style, with or without matching white French cuffs, is a favorite of power-dressers. While it certainly raises a suit-and-tie above the masses, let the wearer be warned against it if he cannot equal its eminence.

On most decent dress shirts, the collar's points are kept straight by collar stays. These 2- to 3-inch pointed splints are inserted into slots on the underside of the collar after ironing, and later removed for washing. Besides the plastic ones that come with most shirts, you can buy them in brass, silver, and even ivory, but their material has negligible effect on their function.

Shirt Cuffs

Barrel cuffs, standard on most dress shirts, come in a variety of styles and except for the most formal of occasions are never a bad choice. The common variety has a single button; cuffs with two or even three buttons are somewhat more artful. French cuffs are de rigeur for formal wear; they look good with a suit but are always optional. A button in the sleeve placket helps the sleeve to stay closed during wear and can be opened to iron the cuffs; it is optional but nearly ubiquitous.

Shirt Pockets

The traditional left breast pocket adds a little depth to a dress shirt, especially if worn without jacket and tie, and can be useful for holding pens, tickets, and the like. A shirt with no pockets can look slightly cleaner with a coat and tie, but since the coat covers the pocket the difference is minimal when wearing a suit. As with most things, simplicity equals formality, so the pocket-less shirt is the dressiest.

Shirt Front & The Placket

The standard placket is a strip of fabric raised off the men's dress shirt front with stitches down each side; this is what most casual shirts and many dress shirts have. In the more modern French placket, the edge of the shirt front is folded over, creased, and held together only by the button holes. This cleaner front sharpens more formal dress shirts; it should not, however, be combined with a button-down collar. There are also hidden button plackets, and as the name suggests hide the front buttons under a sheath of fabric.

Shirt Back

Men's backs are not flat; thus we use pleats on the back panel of a shirt so that the fabric may hang from the yoke (the piece covering the shoulder blades) and better conform to the body. There are two common varieties of pleated shirt back styles: the box pleat consists of two pleats spaced one-and-a-half inches apart at the center, while side pleats lie halfway between each edge and the center of the back. While the former are more common on ready-to-wear shirts, the latter better align with the actual shape of the back, and thus fit most men better. A well-made custom shirt can be cut and sewn to fit its wearer perfectly without pleats, and this makes it cleaner and easier to iron. Nonetheless, many men prefer to have pleats even on their bespoke dress shirts.

Monograms

A man may elect to have his shirt monogrammed, usually on the edge of the breast pocket or on the shirt's cuff. Monogramming originated as a way to identify one's shirts in a commercial laundry, akin to writing a child's name on the tag of their jacket. More recently, as the shirt has taken a more prominent role in men's dress, the monogram has emerged as a way to subtly communicate the care a man has taken in obtaining his clothes. While large, garish monograms certainly do more harm than good, many men enjoy the quiet display of their initials, usually in a color similar to the shirt's own.

Antonio Centeno is president of A Tailored Suit, an online American boutique fine-clothing merchant specializing in bespoke men's suits, shirts, jackets, and overcoats. He and his partners launched the company with the mission of helping men create the clothing that best enhances their individual style. Antonio has studied men's clothing design in London, Hong Kong, and Bangkok. He is a former Marine Corps Officer and holds an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin and a BA from Cornell College.

To read more articles about classic men's style, please visit http://www.atailoredsuit.com and visit the company's style guide.

Homecoming Dresses

There comes a time in every woman's life when she is declared as the homecoming queen - the most beautiful and most desirable woman, not to mention most popular compared to all other women present. She possesses that rare quality of having beauty, brains, and personality. The spotlight focuses on the homecoming queen once her name is announced. Of course, no woman would want to be caught dead wearing an ill-fitting dress for that special occasion.

The dreamiest of all dresses, the homecoming dress, stands out with its fitted bodice and full skirt that flows from the waist to the ankle and, more often than not, reaches to the floor. This dress can hide your body flaws and slims down a pear shaped body by drawing attention to the breasts. Gowns with a dropped waist or a Basque waist give the illusion of a slimmer shape. You may opt for a gown with a corseted bodice or lace-up back for that glamorous look.

The act of buying that homecoming dress for that once in a lifetime event should not be treated lightly. Of course, you want that dress to fit perfectly so you can show off your nice curves and feel confident and comfortable at the same time. Having the perfect gown means getting your measurements right. Just because you wear a size 24 jeans does not mean that you could easily fit into a size 24 dress. Evening wear has a different cut. You could opt for a smaller or a bigger size.

It is important to measure correctly prior to ordering online or buying from a store. First, measure around the body by putting the tape measure under your arms. Place the tape measure around the fullest part of the chest while keeping the arms relaxed.

Second, measure the waist by following the natural waistline. Place your finger between the tape and the body for a comfortable fit. Third, measure the hips by measuring the fullest part of the body. For petite women, measure about seven inches from the waistline. For those women with average height, the correct hip measurement is done eight inches below the waistline.

So start shopping around for that perfect homecoming dress. Who knows, you might just be the next homecoming queen.

Dresses provides detailed information on Dresses, Prom Dresses, Wedding Dresses, Homecoming Dresses and more. Dresses is affiliated with Kids' Halloween Costumes.

How to Dress Classy With Little Cash

1. Basics for Work- Keep good basics in your wardrobe that are truly timeless and will last the test of time and fashion trends. Key basics include black dress pants. Have about 3 good quality pairs. You will want at least one pair to have a pin stripe which will give your body some length and add variety, as well as one pair with a cuff on the bottom, and one without. All pairs should have a crease running down the leg for that dressy look. Avoid anything with pleats which is currently outdated and tends to make you appear larger in the frontal area anyhow. DO invest in good quality, but inexpensive tops such as short sleeved and ¾ length tops with Lycra (to keep their shape) in both v-neck and round neck styles. I recommend black, white and red, if you cannot wear red, perhaps gray. These are key for under blazers with pants and can also be worn with jeans on a casual Friday.

You will want 2 or 3 nice black skirts, a pencil skirt, or slight A-line, printed skirt and one that is more airy and fun. Dress shirts for women are more popular than ever. You will want to have some variety here. I recommend buying shirts that fit your shoulders and arm length properly and have a bit of Lycra or stretch fabric so you can move freely. These can be bought anywhere such as Winners, Ross for Less or department stores. Keep winter and summer colors. Important to any business wardrobe is the suit. You will need a black, navy and lighter color suit such as camel for summer. You can wear your blazer with your skirts too, no need to buy a skirt suit. When buying shoes keep the same in mind, find at least 3 comfortable pairs of shoes, perhaps a pair of flats, and 2 pairs of heels, one lower and the other a higher pump style. I don't believe in having all the colors of the rainbow on my shoe rack, especially when on a budget. Black and brown always work, throw in a pair of camel color for fun. The overall idea here is to have classic pieces that won't go out of style the last for years as to not constantly be buying clothes. I firmly believe in investing in these basic pieces so they'll last a long time. Look for sales, clearances and wander through thrift stores to find what you need to build your basic wardrobe.

2. Make Accessories Work for You- Whether they are shoes, sunglasses, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, belts, scarves, handbags or hairclips, find the ones that you love best and buy many at low cost shops. The key is to dress up a wardrobe many different ways without blowing your budget on pumps and expensive handbags. The best thing to do is buy all sorts of accessories for as little as you can. These keep your wardrobe interesting by adding color, texture, shape, and bling! A couple shops I love for this are Le Chateau, H&M and mall kiosks. I find the best inexpensive jewelry, trendy shoes and hair clips. Buy a bright orange or red handbag from Payless Shoe store for $20 and pump up your black suit for work, or jeans and a t-shirt. Hollywood stars use the same tricks just on a different budget.

The best tip is to wear a great outfit with one or two accessories maximum that pop! My mother used to dress extremely well because she picked out accessories and clothing that looked great but cost next to nothing. This is because she looked in stores like K-Mart as she couldn't afford designer or even mall store prices. Put on a Blazer and jeans with a pair of cute flats and have one significant piece like a great necklace to really make your neckline pop. When hair is done up, this is the best time to show off shoulders and your neckline, so draw attention with some great earrings and necklace. Even a funky watch can jazz up an otherwise low-key outfit.

3. A Scarf Is Your Best friend- Scarves have so many uses that it is hard not to have any in your wardrobe. Scarves can act as a tie around your hair in a ponytail, tied around your neck, used as a belt around your waist or simply ties to the shoulder strap of your handbag for a flirty look. It is good to have variety. Black and Red are my favorites however I have some softer colors such as pale pink and beige with light brown in full stripes, polka-dots are very in right now also. The scarf belt goes great with a sexy top and pair of jeans. When you are bored with the pattern or color switch them up with your friend's for variety.

4. Focus on your Face- Even if you don't feel like your wardrobe looks like a million bucks, put on a smile. It goes a long way and brightens your face! A little makeup really makes a difference. The 3 essentials I would recommend are Mascara, Lipstick (or a great gloss) and some blush. This will add color to your face and make your features pop. I have never bought into the notion that Designer expensive makeup is best. I've used Cover girl my whole life and have always had compliments. Their products are ¼ the price of department store and I can buy them anywhere. The key is to keep the makeup simple and light. Don't wear heavy foundation and loose powers with bright lipstick and heavy eyeliner. The key is to look natural and elegant with the right light shade of blush and lipstick and a black/brown or black shade of mascara. Spend less money on makeup but spend more time on mastering a natural look that is even.

5. Buy Quality Shoes that Last -Always buy quality shoes that can last you 2-3%2B years. Ensure that they are a simple color and style, but more importantly that they have a good sole and heel lifts. Shoes aren't made the way they used to be. I find myself having to replace my lifts on most of my shoes since they are plastic. They wear down quickly causing potential accidents as you glide across floors in those heels. The shoe repair shop will put great quality lifts on and it is inexpensive. Replace these every year or as needed with wear so that the heels of your shoes stay looking new. In addition, shine your shoes regularly and buy scuff removing solution. A great pair of shoes can look like trash when they have not been taken care of.

If you really do crave something trendy then let it be for a particular outfit, or dress where the shoes will not be frequently worn. Why not get the knock-off style at Payless Shoe store or another discount shoe store? Then you'll get the style and price you want and don't have to worry so much about the durability.

6. No Tattered Undergarments! -Many women focus on their outer wardrobe and forget what is hiding underneath. It is important to frequently wash your bras as well as camisoles etc on delicate cycle. It is very unappealing to see a well dressed woman with a tattered, dirty bra strap peeking out of her top. Likewise, underwear and socks need to be replaced when stained or tattered having holes or elastic coming apart. This is not sexy for your partner or for yourself! I typically buy a bunch of inexpensive clearance rack panties that look like designer knock-offs with all the lacy styles. I usually pay around $2-$5 per pair and they look great! If they get ruined in my washing machine or wear with time I can just toss them without thinking twice. While we are on the subject, ladies do buy bras that fit your cup properly and are seamless. There is nothing worse than a great blouse with seam lines or nipples showing!

7. Accessorize but don't overdo it-Classy women look classy because they don't overdo it. Wearing a great dress or outfit with a single ring, pair of small earrings and a small necklace is fine. Wearing a suit with a ring on every finger, watch, bracelet, heavy makeup, hair in an elaborate clip, a belt, a scarf around the neck and bright shoes is overkill. Nobody knows what to look at first! When you get ready to leave the house, look into a full length mirror with your entire outfit including a hat or handbag if included. You will often slowly start to strip a couple accessories away or tone down bold shoes and handbags. Remember, simple is best. Add one or two killer pieces that will have you feeling great and getting compliments along the way.

8. Don't be Afraid to Shop in Thrift Stores- I can't tell you how many things I've been able to snag there. The key is to go into an area that is more well-to-do or exclusive. Often people with a lot of money can discard things faster for new items such as great sweaters, blazers, handbags, you name it! My last purchase there was actually a set of hot rollers that retail at $70 that I picked up for $16! I bought an $80 pair of great brown boots that were never worn for $6!! I'll admit, you have to make some time to sift through a lot of duds till you find a few keepers, but it is well worth it. Buy items that have their original bold color, no fading! Make sure there are no holes, or stains. If there is a small area that is inconspicuous, by all means grab the item if you can fix it. You can also find some fun handbags, belts and jewelry.

9. Wear clothes that Fit You!r Body- There is nothing worse than seeing a beautiful woman in skin tight dress pants, breasts hanging out, and the visible appearance of flab around the waist or back due to tight clothing. Looking slimmer is not about wearing more fitted clothing, clothing with breathing room and comfort will not only make you look better but feel better too. Classy women don't let it all hang out! If something in your wardrobe is too small but you love it, keep it until it does fit (maybe use it as motivation) and find something new.

10. You don't Need Brand Names to Look Good- Today with so many great knock-offs and fun styles to choose from, there is no need to spend $450 on a pair of designer sunglasses. I have a $17 pair of Gucci knocks-offs that I bought in the airport, and have got more compliments on those than a real pair of Ralph Lauren shades. Likewise, people see how well your outfit is put together more so than they do what brand you are wearing. I see a lot of wealthy people wearing brand name overkill and they don't look classy, they look tacky. Don't be a walking billboard for a brand name, just be an original and wear what fits you and what you feel good in.

This article was inspired by many women that I have worked with, spent time with, seen walking the streets, and those that have told me that they simply don't have the money to dress well. If my mom in her early thirties could dress classy in K-Mart clothing and get compliments, you can too! You need an objective eye and patience to find what looks great on you. So, give your charge card a break and find out how fun it is to buy a few items with a $20 bill!

To see another great article about being classy, read my article ' How to be Classy & Elegant Without Money' also on ezines or visit my blog at: http://TheClassyWoman.blogspot.com for more great tips!

Karla Davis is the Author of a new book for real woman who want to live their best life being elegant, classy and fabulous!

She adds a fresh perspective as women re-discover this lost art in today's modern society. Karla is also a wife, Professional Speaker, Home Staging Specialist and Designer in the Orlando area and her life mission is to positively transform the lives of everyone she meets.

Contact Karla:

Karla M. Davis
Author/Speaker
The Classy Woman
Tel. (407) 864-7535
http://TheClassyWoman.blogspot.com

Wedding Dresses From Men's Point of View

When it comes to weddings, it is the always the women's point of view that is scored and quartered. Haven't anybody thought about asking men what they would like their brides to wear when it comes to wedding dresses?

What Men Would Like If They Had the Chance

When women shop for their wedding dresses, do they ask the opinion of their grooms? Most would rather surprise their men and anyway choosing the wedding gown is their right. Ask any woman if she would let her man decide what she should wear for the wedding rites and get a baleful glare in return. The wedding dress is the be all and end all and it should be as perfect as the stunning gown in their minds. Why let men ruin their fairytale?

But hear it from men. They love to ogle women in tight fitting pants and micro mini-skirts but when it comes to their women, they are stricter than the Benedictine monks are. So it's not unusual if men would love to have their brides wear wedding dresses that:

* show curves but not much skin
* have moderately low necklines
* have no thigh high slits to distract other men
* are simple with less frills
* traditional in cut and design

But not all men have the same tastes and some men do have some weird ideas of women's fashion especially wedding dresses. The avant-garde will approve a racy wedding gown or something out of the traditional culture.

Men's Point of View

When it comes to women's wardrobes men have a lot to say about the following:

* spandex under dresses
* pointy toed shoes
* leggings worn under dresses
* Uggs
* huge drugstore sunglasses
* short shirts worn over tight pants

What does your man hate about your style? You know by his pleadings not to wear those crazy fashions he cannot understand and those volcanic red lipsticks, Fidel Castro hats, pregnant look, crocs, and hottie shirts that drive him batty. As a compromise, hear what he has to say about your wedding dress but be prepared to argue.

Perhaps your man wants you all covered with a high necked gown and your slender arms sheathed in long white gloves when you want an off-the-shoulder creation. It would excite him to watch you do a special striptease for him during the first night you share as husband and wife - that is if you still have the energy for some blood racing and adrenalin pumping private show.

Maybe he loves your legs and would want the world to know what you got so he will ask you to wear a mini wedding dress even when you want a princess gown. Well, this will have you mourning over the fairy tale wedding dresses you have designed since you were a little girl, but your man has a point here, right?

Would You Agree to His Fantasies?

Crazy as it may seem, women do forego their dream wedding dresses when they like the idea of wearing something out of the ordinary that goes with the wedding theme. If you love him too much, then say goodbye to fairytale wedding dresses if he wants a beach party themed wedding.

Wedding dresses and wedding favors - find these in a bridal boutique in your area, or visit BestForBrides.com for top choices.

Right Dressing Sense for Men

Men want to dress as perfectly as same as the women may want to wear their makeup. A good dressing sense can do wonders with the right kind of fashion, cut and color. One also should be particular about the comfort level despite the fashion, adding confidence which corroborates to a high self image.

There was a time when men thought that it is just plain white and black for them which prevented them from going for patterns even, let alone choose a color. Most old fashioned men spent whole of their lives without realizing that they could have looked striking handsome, if only they would have chosen better dressing.

Each shirt in the wardrobe does not need to be of the same outline, design or color. Each is a different one with a little variation. One can always put a hundreds of permutation and combinations according to the choice, occasion and fashion. The men's dress shirts do not require being of sameness and dulling in outline, fashion, and design. One should keep in mind that designs are dependent of fabrics. Fashions are also about style, collar, placement of buttons and pockets.

Purchasing a branded shirt can limit one's choice to maneuver perhaps it is a style statement all the same. But in tailor made shirts one can play around with one's own expectations and ideas if one is little innovative.

One has to pay attention to the suiting and the pants which have to go with the shirt's design. However, it is more important to have the confidence to carry anything that one wears. With colors, or patterns, and ties maybe one easily come near the sense of self.

Of course one can look smart with a freshly pressed shirt and neatly smothered pants. The casual attitude should be careful of the look that is expected of him which is an acknowledgement of somebody looking at the person.

Light fabrics with well defined seam are considered to be the sign of a person who is soft with a firm approach towards his goal. It is a perfect statement in the business fraternity.

It does not cost anything to be knowledgeable about fashion. It saves one from spending otherwise in building an image which can be instantly done through a fashionable approach.

Choosing colors that do not clash

Many men have the best of intentions when they attempt to dress themselves. Unfortunately, many of them do not have a keen sense of suitable colors. Have you seen the look on the golf course? The pink plaid pants with yellow collared shirt that make your eyes burn. Here is a guide to choose colors that look great together!

Back in kindergarten, boys learned the primary colors-yellow, red, and blue. Those shades then branched out into complimentary mixes that boys loved to create using nothing more than a sloppy mound of paint and their fingers. The problem is that those boys grew up to be men who still could not decipher the colors that suit one another and the colors that look horrible together. Taking the staple fashion colors-black, white, yellow, red, and blue-a woman can usually pick out the colors that work. Sadly, I've seen a pair of bright green tie with a shirt carrying red stripes. Short of during the Christmas season, those colors are not meant to be worn together!

Men know the color combinations-red and blue make purple. Though the colors can be blended, not all colors should be matched in an outfit. A purple shirt with a red tie looks like something straight out off a clown. In any fashionable outfit, men should start with a base color, something neutral like pale beige or gray. Pair a beige shirt with a blue tie would compliment you being handsome.

Because extreme contrasts catch the eye, it is best to avoid pairing a dark shirt with light colored tie. Too many intense shades can cause the eye to ache. If you are out on the town trying to capture a woman's attention, a black shirt with a pale blue tie will be too much. Instead of drawing attention to your clothing, the opposite will occur. However, if you pair a light shirt with a dark tie, the limited amount of contrast will draw attention to you.

Colors that never be paired are easily remembered. Dark blue and purple are not flattering. White with cream will wash you out. Red and purple boggle the eye. Green and red or green and purple are awful together. Orange with green or purple should be avoided at all costs.

In general, black shirts work well with a lighter colored tie. White shirts offer a wider array of choices, as anything goes with white. This year's fashionable colors include all shades of brown, slate blues, navy blues, pale blues, black, and pure white. These color choices are easy to work with and very versatile. A pale brown shirt will look fantastic with a chocolate brown tie. Mix a gray shirt with a slate blue tie and you will look amazing. The choices are endless, as long as you remember to start with a neutral shirt and then find complementary colors.

Fashions for Big Men

The good news is that you are not alone. Many men are carrying extra weight. These same men opt to dress baggy clothing thinking they can hide their beer bellies with loose t-shirts. Would you like to know the truth? Baggy clothing actually makes you look bigger than you probably are.

Color is the most important aspect in dressing to look slimmer than you actually are. Stripes are your worst enemy. Dark colors-black, chocolate brown, charcoal, navy blue, and dark gray-offer a more slimming look. Browns, blacks, grays, and navy blues happen to be this years "in" colors. You get to wear fashionable trends while also appearing slimmer. Make sure your suit jacket and shirt are similar in color. Contrasting hues draw attention to the point in which they meet. The point at which the colors meet will create a line that adds the appearance of bulk.

When purchasing a suit jacket (and every man needs at least one jacket), look for two-button suit jackets in dark colors. Once again, the dark colors are more slimming. In addition, a two-button suit creates a streamlined look that makes your waist and stomach look tapered and trim. Do not buy a jacket that is too loose. A loose appearance will add the appearance of weight. You also need to avoid purchasing clothing that fits too snugly. Clothing should fit comfortably with no more than an inch of space at any given point.

Though Hawaiian prints are in, large patterns give the appearance of bulk. Stick to small vertical patterns that make the torso appear longer and slimmer. Always rely on vertical patterns and never horizontal patterns. Stripes that are horizontal add a round look and can make you look a lot heavier than you are. The same applies with buttons and zippers choose small, narrow fasteners.

Shiny satins, rayons, and other fabrics add weight. Any fabric with a bright sheen will make you appear larger than you are. Stick to clothing that has a brushed appearance without any shine.

If you have a chubby, round face, do not purchase turtlenecks. Turtlenecks can make you look heavy in the neck area. Instead, choose shirts with angled v-necks or leave the top couple of buttons on a dress shirt undone so that there is an angle that slims the face and neck.

Sticking to these basic rules can turn a rotund man into someone looking svelte. Just remember vertical lines, dark colors, and similar shades, and you will look great!

Fashions for Skinny Men

Just as overweight men have serious issues finding a fashionable look, men who are underweight can have just as many difficulties. Scrawny men want to look larger than they are without appearing sloppy. Building the appearance of muscle is impossible, but choosing fashions that add the appearance of bulk can be accomplished.

First and foremost, never purchase baggy clothing. You will wind up looking lost in the outfit and that makes you look slimmer than you actually are. You need to choose pants that fit snugly without being tight. Slim, non-tapered pant legs work well. Low-rise pants look great. Leather pants are a great item to own. Skinny men can pull off a pair of tight leather pants. The snug fit will accentuate your lower half and definitely draw attention. Avoid any jeans with boot cut legs or flared legs as they make you appear to be drowning in your clothing.

Choose single-breasted jackets with small shoulder pads. The shoulder pads will add a muscular look, but make sure the shoulder pads are small. Larger shoulder pads always look like nothing more than shoulder pads-think 1980's shoulder pads making people look like linebackers. You want the appearance of muscle, not the appearance of shoulder pads.

Skinnier men can easily add stripes to their wardrobe. Choose thin stripes and patterns that are close together, either vertical or horizontal. This adds the appearance of bulk, especially if you use horizontal stripes or patterns. Make sure the shirt fits nicely; you want the fabric to cling to your form.

Skinnier men also have the option of choosing any color that appeals to them. Where larger men need to stick to dark colors, skinny men can mix and match. Adding contrast breaks up an outfit's lines and can add the appearance of weight. Light jackets paired with a darker shirt can add the guise of bulk around the chest and waist.

Do not wear sleeveless shirts. Tank tops and sleeveless t-shirts will highlight the fact that you have little to no arm muscle. Stick to well-fitted t-shirts, dress shirts, and long-sleeved t-shirts.

Fabrics with sheen can add the appearance of weight. Silks, rayons, and satins can all make you look bulkier than you actually are. Consider adding a couple of shiny shirts to your wardrobe. I am not talking disco shiny, but something with sheen.

Being skinny does not mean you must dress like a stereotypical nerd. Choose fashions that you like and that do not drown your body shape. Follow these simple rules and you will look brilliant in no time!

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Shopping For Elegant Mother Of The Bride Dresses

There are many places to shop for elegant mother of the bride dresses that are also affordable. You don't have to spend a lot of money to ensure elegance. In fact, if you shop with an eye on line, cut and style, rather on designer name and price, you'll be surprised at how elegant you can look without spending an outrageous amount of money. There are elegant mother of the bride dresses to suit every budget size.

When you begin to shop for your dress, you may want to spend a bit of time browsing the ultra expensive collections of top designer created elegant mother of the bride dresses. You're not browsing their dresses to buy, however. The purpose of browsing those expensive and elegant mother of the bride dresses is to see what is current in the fashion world.

You'll have those elegant mother of the bride dresses in your mind's eye when you begin your real shopping at much more reasonably priced retailers. It is common knowledge that high fashion is rarely exclusive. The moment those expensive designer clothes are made available to the consumer, the designers and manufacturers that produce garments for sale at more affordable prices are busy making copies to sell to the average income consumer.

So, while high priced elegant mother of the bride dresses may be out of your reach, the knock-offs will most likely be closer to your desired price range. And, since you did your homework, checking up on what the top designers are putting out for this season, you'll know exactly which of the knock-offs are copies of the crème de la crème of the season.

Another way to ensure elegance at a reasonable price is to choose from elegant mother of the bride dresses that are of classic styles. Because truly classic styles are timeless in their appeal, you can find a quite elegant and attractive dress among those that are discounted for quick sale to make room for the new stock of this year's fashions.

Classically elegant mother of the bride dresses change remarkably little from season to season. If you look at fashion history, there are many classic, elegant mother of the bride dresses that have changed very little over the past few decades. Yet, they still have the power to make a woman look absolutely stunning and fashionable.

Women who are handy with needle and thread can purchase one of the elegant mother of the bride dresses in a classic style left over from a season or so ago and use a little imagination and innovation to alter or add certain details to bring it to up to the minute fashion standards. Checking out the top designers interpretations of classic designs can provide inspiration.

It is possible to find a reasonably priced mother of the bride dress that is elegant and affordable. Investing a little time and effort in creative shopping techniques can present you with a variety of elegant mother of the bride dresses to choose from, ensuring that you will look your very best at your daughter's wedding without spending excessively.

Abe Gardea is a full-time freelance writer and a regular contributor to http://bridesmaid-dresses-n-flower-girl-dresses.com

Five Easy and Cheap Ways to Dress Up a Man's Wardrobe

More and more men are making an effort to become more interested what they are wearing and how they look. It's no wonder why then men's fashion and style is more popular today than ever before. Guys are beginning to realize that they way they look is an asset in every aspect, affecting their business life, personal life, and love life. All of this shows why it's so important to look your best.

Developing a sense of style for a man is much more than following all of the latest celebrity fashions and trends. It requires a real effort, but ultimately, it comes down to your style, image, and personality. Here are five simple ways you can change your wardrobe for the better:

• 
  Wear more color - One of the easiest ways to dress up your look is to a great way to wear a wide variety of colors. It doesn't take much, maybe just a brightly colored t-shirt underneath a v-neck sweater. Something as simple as a new colorful shirt or sweater can work too. The idea is to spice up those dull neutral tones especially around your face. That is the part of your body you want people to focus in on the most and the colors also add a touch of energy to it.



• 
  Never wear sloppy shoes - The first thing a woman looks at on a man is his shoes. That in itself shows the importance of a nice pair of clean shoes. You don't need to necessarily wear dress shoes. If you want to wear sneakers, make sure your sneakers are in good condition. It doesn't take much to keep your shoes clean. A quick shine can make them look brand new in just a few minutes.



• 
  Treat yourself - This tip is only viable if you have the money to buy yourself something expensive. If you do, then fashion experts say to always own one item that makes you stand out from everybody else and keeps you stylish. It can be anything, really. You can get yourself a new leather coat or a pair of top name, designer jeans. Whatever it is you choose to buy make sure it's something you will enough to get your money's worth.



• 
  Wear a really nice belt - Belts serve another purpose besides holding up your pants. Most belts are actually only worn for the added style they give an outfit. The type of belt basically depends on your overall outfit. The only real rule with wearing a belt is that it should match in color with your shoes. The latest trend in belts is large and elaborate buckles.



• 
  Buy a fancy watch - Watches are the final touch to your complete wardrobe upgrade experience. There are countless different watches that can go with any type of outfit, setting, or mood. I know some people who own a good number of watches that they only wear with a certain set of clothes. Think of watches as a man's version of jewelry and take it just as seriously as a woman does with hers.

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Best Man Checklist and Tips For The Best Man

Did you know that not every man has the opportunity to be a best man? Being a best man is quite an honor, one of very high distinction. It is only normal to be a bit nervous when encountering a new issue in our lives, so relax and consider yourself very lucky. You are going to be busy and naturally nervous; trying to make sure, everything goes perfect for your friends wedding. Which means you may possibly forget your own needs. Here you will find a personal checklist and tips for being a best man.

Best Man Checklist

- Wedding Attire and Accessories

1. Best Man Toast

2. Tuxedo or Suit

3. Shoes and Socks

4. Tie, Cufflinks and Handkerchief

5. Brush, Comb and hair products

6. Toothbrush, Toothpaste and Breath Mints

7. Shaving cream and Razor

8. Aftershave and Antiperspirant

9. Any Medications

10. Drivers license, Money or Credit Card

11. Rehearsal Dinner Attire

12. Luggage Tags for wedding couple when traveling

13. Gift for the newly weds

Best Man Tuxedo Checklist

- Tuxedo Rental Store Name

- Tuxedo Rental Store Address

- Tuxedo Rental Store Telephone Number

- Tuxedo Fitting Date and Time

- Tuxedo Pickup Date and Time

- Cost of Tuxedo

- Tuxedo Notes

Best Man Tips

- Above all else, remember to breath and relax. Whether you are first starting in your planning or when you give the first wedding toast, remember this is all in good fun and in the name of love. Your doing great, besides when encountering new life issues, we are all a little nervous.

- Make sure the groom gets to all his appointments, while helping him plan and stay organized. It is your job to make sure he gets to the wedding on time as well as to keep him from seeing his bride in her wedding dress, before the wedding.

- If you drink, do not over indulge, you want to keep your wits about you when you are responsible for everyone else at the bachelor party. A couple of drinks before the first wedding toast is enough to relax, so drink no more before your duties come to their end. Especially if you are also in charge of transporting the newlywed couple on their departure.

- Remember to practice your best man toast, until you know it by heart. The first toast should compliment the bride while offering your best wishes on their new life as a couple. When offering your best man wedding toast, relax and speak from your heart. Keep in mind that this moment in time is short, so take a deep breath and practice your good humor, in case any of your friends want to razz you a bit since you have the stage of attention. Remember to speak strong and clearly, and it is all right to pause when you feel the need. You can also search online for a best man toast.

- Remember to dance at least one dance with the maid or matron of honor, and have a great time while mingling with the other wedding guests.

- Remember to smile, and be confident. The best men of the past all agree that they were nervous, however they thoroughly enjoyed their time of being the best man for the job and you will too.

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Fancy Dress - How To Win A Fancy Dress Competition

Dressing up to go a party is one thing but having to imitate and dress up as someone else or an object is another matter. A Fancy Dress party can only mean one thing and that is fancy dress costumes where you are required or expected to duplicate an image or a look alike figure of someone famous etc. Looking good is our main priority when attending parties but when it comes to attiring and adorning ourselves as an alias will no doubt take a lot of careful planning?

Fancy Dress parties are very popular and very successful to say the least in providing entertainment for all the guests who make the effort to dress up. If you have been invited to a Fancy Dress party then you may have problems wondering who or what to go as. Do not fret there are some fabulous websites online to go in search of for ideas for fancy dress costumes.

If you find this an ordeal trying to select an outfit then make it more interesting by asking friends around to help you choose or even make the outfit of your choice. Remember fancy dress parties are fun - so whatever the finished costume looks like it will not really matter because this is fun stuff - just as long as you joined in and participated in making an effort is enough. However should this be a competition for the best turned out person in fancy dress costume - then matters change.

Unique ideas are going to get you noticed and surely put you in the running of claiming the first prize. A little honest cheating may help you take the award of the best dressed person in fancy dress costume. How you ask, well let me tell you, your first move is a little research to find out about the host of the party and their likes and dislikes in music - movies or even Disney characters and take it from there - for example if the party host is a she and loves cuddly bears then Winnie the Pooh it is.

If this fancy dress occasion is being held for a man and his love is of the ocean and water sports then you know the ideal costume that will win the fancy dress competition hands down and that is the bathing costume like that on a Baywatch babe - this idea is for women only unless the male host happens to bat for the other side.

There are so many Fancy Dress options and ideas to choose from - take a trip to your local department store that deals in fun occasions and browse around and by doing this you may just come up trumps - there`s an idea Donald and his wife.

Southwestern Style - How to Dress Like a Texan

Are you looking for San Antonio style clothing? If you live in Texas and like to dress in the southwestern style, you may enjoy buying some Texas style clothing. To really dress like a native Texan, look for the following clothing items:

Cowboy Hat

Texas is cattle country. Long before oil became the mainstay of the Lone Star State, cattle was where the money was at. In fact, even today, cattle money is considered "old money" in this state, while oil money is the "new money." Cowboy hats are worn by pretty much everyone in Texas. You can get one in most shops that sell hats and you will look like you fit right in to the Texas landscape.

Cowboy Boots

Texas is also boot country. Everything is bigger in Texas, even the shoes. Cowboy boots are not just for cowboys in this state and just about everyone owns a pair. Look for good snakeskin or leather when you are seeking cowboy boots. There are several different types of boots that you can get and some will cost several hundred dollars. Boots are in when you are in Texas so you had better get yourself a pair of good cowboy boots.

Leather Vest

Part of your Texas clothing should be a leather vest. This is something that both men and women wear with pride. Vests have always been in style in the southwest. Black leather or suede will go nicely with your ensemble.

Jeans

Texas is a very casual part of the country, so you had better stock up on blue jeans if you are going to wear Texas clothing. Jeans were originally made for cowboys and working men but are now part of our every day culture. Chances are that you already have jeans in your closet. For true cowboy style, don't tuck your pant legs into your boots. Look for "boot cut" jeans which allow them to easily fit over the top of your boots.

If you are a man, you will want to wear a Texas tie instead of a traditional tie. Women can wear skirts such as leather fringe skirts instead of wool or cotton skirts. If you have ever visited Texas, you can see how the people dress and wear similar clothing.

San Antonio is right in the heart of Texas and is a great place to live as well as visit. If you want to get the jump on the best San Antonio clothing, take the tips in this article and start dressing Texas style.

Renegade Clutch Clothing ([http://renegadeclutchclothing.com]) offers up a full line of San Antonio clothing [http://renegadeclutchclothing.com] to ensure an authentic Texas look. Billings Farnsworth is a freelance writer.

Wedding Dresses For Any Season

When you are getting married it is important to remember every detail in planning your wedding. It is important to take into consideration what season your wedding date is set for and choose the perfect wedding dress for that season.

Fall wedding dresses

The fall season can be a very tricky month; it can be warm during the day, and freezing cold at night. It is important that you choose the right dress. Wedding experts have recommended that wearing a strapless wedding dress will allow you to be comfortable during the day, however if you get chilly toward the end of the day, you can wear a shawl, wrap or even a stole to stay warm. These accessories will accent the look of your gown.

It is also recommended that the gown should be off white or cream color with bronze or gold beading. Jeweled accents are perfect for fall wedding dresses.

Summer wedding dresses

Summertime is the most chosen season for weddings. There are many different options for wedding dresses for the summer season. It is important that you decide well before you choose a dress where the wedding will be held. It is equally important that you choose a dress appropriate for the location. You do not want to wear a full-length wedding gown if you are getting married on the beach or in some other casual setting. Summer wedding gowns should be made out of lightweight materials like silk, chiffon or crepe. The lightweight material will allow you to stay comfortable in the summer heat and during the festivities.

Winter wedding dresses

Winter is perhaps the most difficult season to choose a wedding dress for. Although the traditional long white wedding gown is recommended for winter weddings, many people choose to go with other colors that reflect the season. Green blue and even red colors are all wonderful choices for a winter wedding.

Long sleeves are also recommended for a winter wedding. However you can choose a gown that has lace and embroidery for sleeves. It creates a very elegant look.

Choosing a wedding dress can be the highlight of planning your wedding. It is important to understand that you will not chose the first wedding dress that you see, and that it may take some time to find the perfect wedding dress. It is equally important that you do not stress during the process of choosing a wedding dress. You will know immediately when you see the right one.

How many types of wedding gowns are available? To find out visit Ideas for Wedding Gowns.