Dinner Suits, A Quick Guide

When it comes to black tie dinner suits, there are some basics that have been around for years. The classic rules are steadfast, and though subtle changes emerge as fashion changes, here is a quick guide for today.

Make sure you find out what the dress code of the event is. White Tie is the rarest dress code and is used primarily for balls or operas. Black Tie is the more common dress code for general dinners, banquets, weddings or other events. For Black Tie, the standards are white, black or midnight blue shades. Classy white can be used with a black tie to go for a James Bond look, and is best in spring or summer or during the day; midnight blue can give you a great richness in certain lights, and is a subtley underrated look; black is a safe but basic choice that you can't go wrong with, and you can add splashes of color to it through accessories since it goes with everything.

You have the lapels: they can be shawl, peak or notch. Notch should never be worn for black tie, and unless you can pull off the shawl, always go with a peak lapel. They usually match the jacket, but contrasting black and white can be a good look. Next comes either a cummerbund or a waistcoat; cummerbunds should match your bowtie or your lady's dress, and a waistcoat, which is more popular these days, should be a double-breast that is done-up all evening. For the dinner jacket, velvet is a great vintage look that is coming back, but just make sure you wear it with black trousers.


Some final tips are: Make your shirt a turn down collar. Your shoes need to be nothing less than leather, and must be shined to perfection. Only wear tails with a white bow tie. If you wear a fedora, leave it in the coat room. A red or white handkerchief adds some good color. A scarf is a good accessory that makes you stand out; try black with white polka dots.

There is a lot to understand about proper etiquette for dinners. But once you take the time to learn it properly, you will find yourself looking classy, and everyone else will see it.

How To Choose A Suit

A man wearing a really sharp suit can stand out from a crowd when walking down metropolitan streets. He can also really make a good impression in an office setting. Of course, in order to make such an impression you will need to purchase a suit. How can you select one?

Choosing a suit is not all that difficult. You just need to follow a few simple steps to make the right selection.

Be sure you are considering a suit that is appropriate for what you have in mind for it. You definitely would not want a flashy suit when the venue in which you are to wear it is a conservative one. Matching the suit to where you intend to wear it should be of paramount concern.

Budget for your suit in the most realistic manner. You really do not want to break the bank to acquire a suit. It would be a wiser idea to properly budget your purchase. Some might be under the impression that the best suit to choose is the most expensive one. This is not always the case as a less costly suit could prove to be the better decision.

Examine the fabric of the suit prior to purchasing it. Different suits are made from different fabrics and you definitely do want to be sure that you picking the right selection. Whether you wish to purchase a silk suit or a suit made from 100% cotton is up to you. However, you do want to be sure the fabric will be appealing to you and actually does deliver on desired comfort levels.

There is a huge difference between single and double breasted suits. If you are attending a formal event, a double breasted suit might prove to be the right choose. However, a double breasted suit is not the best decision for the workplace. You probably would want a single breasted suit for non-formal events. That said, there are certain single breasted suits that are fine for a formal event depending upon their actual look.

Be sure the fit of the suit is the right one. Never become too enamored with the look of a suit to the point you select a suit that does not fit properly. Be sure you have the right fit or else the suit won't be comfortable and it won't look good either.

Yes, there are quite a few things to keep in mind when choosing a suit. Such things are worth considering since you do want the right suit when all is said and done.

5 Tips for Finding the Perfect Mens White Shirt

Men can own a wide collection of white shirts, but always seem to need more in their closets. With so many different styles and brands out there, the classic white shirt is one that can be paired nicely with nearly any outfit.

Putting on the perfect white shirt should give men the feeling as though that are getting into fresh, crisp sheets at night. You will want the shirt to fir properly and look good while being made of quality materials that can easily be cleaned regularly.

Shopping for shits can of course be done on the high street but the best deals for quality shirts can be found online from websites like Skopes Menswear - you need to know your collar size but you can easily send back the shirt if it doesn't fit.

These 5 tips will help you to find the perfect men's white shirt when going shopping.

The Right Fit For Your Body

When trying on white shirts, the first thing that men will want to look for is to ensure that it fits properly with their body type. The shirt should not balloon out when it is tucked into your pants. It should also not be too tight to where the fabric pulls between each button uncomfortably. You may need to try on several styles before finding out that fits just right.

Shirt Fabric

White men's shirts are made from all different types of fabrics. While one shirt may be soft, another may be more stiff. Some companies offer more than 400 white fabrics to choose from. Egyptian cotton is one of the most popular fabric types, as it softens as it is worn and washed over time. Choose a fabric that is comfortable when wearing your shirt.

Fabric Care

The perfect men's white shirt starts with easily being able to clean it when it needs it. From sweaty armpits to stains caused from food or drinks, you will want to have a shirt that can be thrown into the washing machine and have stain removers used on them.

The Collar

Something else that men will want to look at when searching for the perfect white shirt is the size of the collar. Look for a medium sized collar in either a point or a spread style for a modern look and feel.

Your Personal Style

Whether you choose to go with a poplin white shirt or an oxford white shirt, it is important to choose one that fits your own personal style. This is truly one of the most important parts in finding the perfect shirt for your wants and needs.

Before purchasing white shirts, be sure to shop around for various options. Trying on shirts that you may have not thought about before may open your eyes to new possibilities and styles.

The Trends For Summer 2013

There are a lot of trends that are becoming popular for the summer of 2013. Many people that have watched fashion shows are excited about some of the latest trends that are hitting the market. The following highlights some of the best fashion that is available for the summer.

Flat Buckle Shoes

Celebrities started wearing these shoes first. This trend caught on and eventually became fashionable for consumers. The Zara ankle boots, for example, have already received lots of rave reviews from many young ladies. This is the punk rock look with buckles that can add a lot of unique style to any summer wardrobe. These shoes can definitely compliment a vintage dress.

Cyber Styles

The futuristic look was first made popular by music groups like the Black Eye Peas. Their costumes were cosmetic and over-the-top during various concert appearances. The look is back for 2013 for lots of consumers that are trying to totally embrace this new style. The clothing sold in stores in somewhat toned down by comparison, but it still presents a look that is unlike anything else that consumers may have in their wardrobe.

The colours for the cyber styles are bright. Digital bright colours and shiny material are in for the summer. Many people are into the abstract colours like lime green for the summer months.

Metallic Sneakers

The sneakers in the metallic styles are perfect for people that want to dive into the cyber styles as well. The great thing about the metallic sneakers is that people don't have to only buy the digital prints and shiny materials to coordinate. In fact most people that are buying the metallic shoes are finding this footwear perfect for things that are already in their closet. The shiny shoe trends fade and come back in style on a pretty regular basis. In 2013 the metallic shoe is the shiny style that is in for the summer.

The Chunky Necklace Styles

There are some stars that can bring old school fashion back to life. Beyonce is one of those stars. This artist has brought back the big link necklaces. People that like the urban look will add this to their summer accessories for 2013.

Fashion can change in many ways in a short amount of time. Most fashion is dictated by the stars. Consumers that want to be fashionable should take notes from some of their favorite celebrities.

The best money saving fashion apps for your android

There are many wonderful money saving apps that will makes staying in style more fun and much easier than ever before. These apps can be downloaded right to your android and will alert you of the best deals around on clothes that you love. You will also glean from their sales and coupons and will be the first to know about any specials going on. There are many to choose from but these are some of the best.

The Old Navy SnapAppy
This will make you fall in love with Old Navy all over again. This great site allows you to take a picture of the item you want in Old Navy (the tag) and then this app will unlock a "surprise" for you.

These deals and coupons are better than what is advertised in the store. It is fun to do and will make you smile. They also offer fun games as well that you can win great info and more on.

JC Penney
The JC App allows you to show whenever and however you want right from your home. You can get the latest and greatest deals when and how you want. You also earn rewards online and will get mobile alerts every time a great deal is launched.

You can also use your pay pal account from your phone to pay for your purchase. There is now no need to stand in a long line or use gas to get to the store. Just shop during your lunch break or from the train on the way home. It is easy to use and fun too.

Victoria Secrets
If you want to be inspired to look great and stay in tune with the latest new look than you will want this app for your android. It is easy to use and provides photos of Victoria Secrets models. Your phone will be sexier than you ever dreamed. This site is daily updated and you can use their pics for your wall paper. Great deals, prices and coupons are offered by scanning the QR code. The savings are incredible and your phone will never have looked so good.

These are just a few of the fun and unique ways to save money all by having these great applications right at the touch of your fingers on your Android phone. Each app works differently and yet the savings will make your dollars go further than you ever dreamed. They are all easy to use and make shopping and staying up to date and ahead of the game in look and fashion more fun than ever before.

Top 10 fashion gurus to follow on Twitter

When looking for a fashion guru, you might think of a person who leads you on a quest. Fashion gurus abound; finding one that helps you feel your best with your fashion choices can seem overwhelming.

By checking the Twitter accounts of well-known fashion stand-byes you’ll see what fashion experts have to offer and will find interesting individuals contributing in real time.

One of those may become your personal fashion guru, just follow them.  

Magazines

InStyle

(@InStyle) With active tweeters like model Amy Weber and celebrity style expert Toni Ferrara, InStyle offers its 2,205,300 followers the best in actuality.

Vogue

(@voguemagazine) with 1,688,800 followers, Vogue, part of the Condé Nast publishing empire, offers up-to-date advice on what to wear and when.

Marie Claire

(@marieclaire) Marie Claire caters to a world-wide audience, helping over a million Twitter followers find just the right clothes and accessories for any occasion.

Cosmopolitan

(@Cosmopolitan) Over 300,000 Tweeters tune into this standard of beauty and fashion.

Harper’s Bazaar

(@harpersbazaarus) Fashion and beauty, hair and shopping, Harper’s shares ideas with more than 416,000 Twitter folk in English alone, with many more in international zones.

GQ

(@Gqmagazine) Over 200.000 gentlemen (and ladies as well!) follow GQ magazine.


Shops

Burberry

(@Burberry) Founded in 1856, Burberry has clearly brought their trademark trench coats and tartan designs into the 21st century, offering 1,128,900 followers ideas for dressing men and women concerned with style.

Websites

Beautylish

(@beautylish) With nearly half a million Tweeters, Beautylish tweets regularly with fashion, makeup, accessories and guest tips.

Glamour Fashion

(@glamour_fashion) The web spin-off of Glamour Magazine, 371,000 Twitter users follow this direct style of offering fashion advice.

LOOKBOOK.nu

(@lookbookdotnu) An innovative website where members can post their own ideas, with 113,000 followers.

Keeping up on fashion trends was once a monthly visit to the newsstand. Nowadays, any fashion-conscious person can understand trends by following “gurus” on Twitter.

From internationally recognized firms to fashion-wise users, you can discover what’s new and not. Twitter let's you participate, leaving tweets about what works for you, what you see in your community. Fashion has never been more actual and global.

Top Tips on Buying vintage Clothes

Searching through countless racks and shelves for that perfect vintage item can seem like a modern day treasure hunt. It’s thrilling to find a unique dress or suit jacket from yesteryear, knowing that you’re unlikely to run into another person nowadays wearing the same duds.

However, as exciting as your fashion expedition may be, the burgeoning popularity for ‘recycled fashion’ means shopping for those great pieces has now become more competitive.

Fortunately, the internet has responded with an increase in the number of online retail shops selling vintage clothes, allowing you to avoid the fray. Before kicking back in your bunny slippers and clicking ‘Buy Now’, take the following tips into consideration.

Ignore Size

many vintage sizes don’t correspond to today’s clothing sizes. A women’s size 16 from 1940 is less than a size 10 now. Plus, many vintage items were home-made and therefore made to specific measurements, not a general size.When shopping for vintage clothes online, it’s best to trust the measurements of the garment instead of the size label.

Ask Questions 

moth damage is hard to see when you can’t handle an item in person, so don’t be afraid to ask about any damage, repairs or heavy laundering that’s been done to the garments. The more questions you get answered, the more informed your purchasing decision will be.

Know Your Labels 

many big name designers create both small-batch garments and mass-produced ones, and the difference lies in the label itself. For instance, its signature pink label distinguishes a 1930’s couture Schiaparelli from a 1950’s mass-produced Schiaparelli. Sellers may not always know what they have or how valuable it is. Since the death of designer, Yves Saint Laurent, the popularity and value of his collections have sky rocketed.

Check for Authenticity 

Utilize the ‘zoom in’ feature and eye up the buttons, zips and stitching on desired items. If they don’t mesh with the overall garment design, it’s often a telltale sign of either bad repair work or that it’s a copy.

There’s nothing wrong with buying reproductions or vintage-inspired items, but make sure the price reflects this. Also, if the label is woven or sewn all the way around and is made of fabric rather than nylon, then you’ve most likely found yourself some original vintage wear.

Know Your Fabric 

there’s a big difference between low-viscosity rayon and low-quality polyester. Some online sellers capitalize on buyers not knowing the difference and flog cheaply made reproductions as the high-priced real deal.

Ditch cut-rate, tacky fabrics in favour of more natural fibers like cotton, silk and wool, and you’re more likely to find a valuable vintage treasure.

When your online finds end up on your doorstep, it’s important to take care of them. Dry cleaning is vintage clothing’s best friend and if using moth balls, make sure they don’t come in contact with the clothes directly.

For more information on vintage clothing designers and things to look out for when shopping online, visit VintageFashionGuild.org. There, you can research a designer’s authentic trademarks through the decades so you know exactly what you’re buying and from what era.

Top 5 Colours Of 2013 And How To Rock Them

The arrival of spring is augmented with myriad bright hues of lovely blooms and chirping birds. Nature is filled with bright colors and your drab wintry wardrobe too deserves some sensible, bright hues of apparels. The brand new palette will not only cheer up the grave wintry mood but it will also help to boost your inner confidence. Allow your spring spirit to soar high with the choicest palette of shades.

Gone are the days when only pastels and only bright hues were hot favorites of the color lovers. The dreamy pink and the soft blue is replaced by more vivid hues like that of Tangerine, Green, fuchsia. The true dancing colors are the hot favorite of this year's spring season. They are a comeback in the world of fashion and have seriously paved their path of intoxication thrill and beauty. Here are the top 5 colors of this season which are a potential hit in the world of fabric and accessories. Always remember to mix and match to bring out the perfect contrast that will enhance your personality instead of overshadowing it.

TANGERINE:

The red undertone inflicted with hues of saturated orange has made a comeback this spring. Tangerine oranges are all over the supermarkets and tangerine fabrics and accessories have flooded the fashion boutiques.

This vivid shade is sure to compliment different skin tones and when intelligently accessorized with minimal contrast or even matching accessories you are ready to flatter this incredible bright shade.

If you're not a bright colour person than restrict yourself to simple tangerine accessories at first. Do not over indulge yourself with chunky jewellery when you plan to sport this shade as your outfit; instead stick to bare minimums or the nude look.

FUSCHIA:

Colours are a bit edgy this spring. The bright and dancing hue of fuchsia is being seen to flock the famous fashion chains.

You can mix and match this wonderful shade with whites and soft pinks. For instance, you can team up a pair of fuchsia chinos with soft pink or white georgette top and pastel stilettos.

To rock this outfit you may add on a little silk printed scarf. Even the fuchsia shade cools exquisite in sunglassess frames!

WHITE:

This is the only colour that is both bright and soft at the same time. It’s elegant, classy and needless to mention that it’s intricately woven with soothing effects. The white crochet tops and the white lacy skirts will instantly make you fall in love with them.

This is the coolest shade that promises to rock any mood of this spring season. When teamed up with right and bright accessories it will promise you the best compliments ever. The most interesting fact of a white outfit is that it can be worn in the morning and in the evening too! It has no restrictions and can be mixed and matched with myriad accessories. If you plan to go classy this spring than stock up the white collection in your wardrobe.

RICH BLUE:

Think blue and wear blue to chase off the winter blues! The vibrant, bright and rich blue is the loving shade of this season. If you want to rock this season then you must possess at least one outfit and accessory of this particular shade. The straight cut dresses and the shiny chinos are an icing on the cake. Team it up with zesty lemon yellow or white and you are sure to send ripples into the fashion world. Remember that nude make-up is a best fit for this gorgeous spring shade. The see-through sunglasses will add that extra vibe to your outfit and oh! Yeah the black wedges will churn out the sexiest appeal.

NEUTRALS AND MINT:

Neutral shades like peach, beige and mint are the popular fashionable color choices this year. The glacial minty shade is the hot favorite amongst the fashion lovers. It’s cool and the transparency of the light shade has an intoxicating effect on the wearer. It matches every skin tone perfectly and its signature undertone carries a rich and sophisticated aura. The minty shade superbly matches with rustic golden and teal. The rustic golden accessories when complimented with a mint shade outfit looks ravishing. This combination is the greatest hit of spring season.

Choose the appropriate spring shade according to your personality and do not go overboard with it. Decked with the same shade from head to toe will look clownish. Try to mix and match various shades and while doing so you may even invent a unique combination that will camouflage with your unique personality. Rock this spring with an outstanding color display. Happy spring!

This Seasons Must Have Winter Boot Styles For Him and Her

There are plenty of trends that have both had a resurgence and have come out of nowhere this season and as such there are more great boot styles than ever to choose from. From the practical to the incredibly stylish, boots are on point this season and getting one of the season’s hottest is a must. While most fashion articles focus mainly on women, there are also some great boot trends for men that have become popular. Here is a brief run down of some of the recent trends.

Women:
• Wedges
• Riding Boots
• Combat Boots

Men:
• Slip On Boots
• Work Boots
• Combat Boots

Womens' Trends

Wedges:

Looking now at women’s trends the wedge boot has made a definite comeback this season; though it was briefly popular last season, the wedge boot is now more popular than ever with dozens of great products coming out of the fashion houses the world over. The wedge boot is both practical and stylish and can be worn with just about any winter ensemble. Though the stiletto heel boot does offer a certain air of sophistication, it is not as popular as the wedge this season by any means.

Riding Boots:

The ever popular riding boot is also very current and many name brand designers are opting for this comfy and casual style. All leather boots or boots of man made materials are incredibly on point this season. Riding boots are a very versatile style that anyone can wear and that allows for customization of any look.

Unisex Trend

Combat Boots: One trend that is shared among men and women is the combat boot. This unisex style is great for edgy outfits and people trying to make a definite statement. The combat boot is also incredibly durable and can be worn again and again. This understated punk style is perfect for those that are looking to make any outfit just a bit edgier.

Men

Slip on Boots and Work Boots:

For men slip on boots are also gaining in popularity. A style that was namely created for farm hands and for out door types is now more popular than ever in many fashion circles. These boots are comfortable, very durable, and can be worn with just about any outfit. Work boots like Timberlands are also making a comeback and are fantastic for every day wear.

Though trends are always changing, a good pair of boots can serve you for years and years if they are properly cared for. It is important that when following trends users do not become overly worried about the trend at the expense of their own personal style. Any of these trends would be great to try out for the start of 2013. To see photos of these and other trends visit: