A Look at the Industry of Men’s Fashion

Fashion industry, since its inception, is based on innovation and change. Various trends have come and gone over the decades. There hasn’t been a year when there was no modification or improvement in this field. Thus, we can say that the only thing constant in this industry is the need for change and up gradation. The fashion industry is demarcated by the trends and styles, fads and changes. The essence of the fashion industry would be lost and will cease to exist if there’s consistency as everyone would be wearing the same old clothes season after season.

The fact that it always has something new to offer to its audience is what keeps the audience attracted towards this industry. The proof of which is derived from the erratic variety that is offered by multiple designers in form of summer collection and winter collection irrespective of the fact that at times the old fashion is recycled in new and exhilarating ways for the onlookers. It’s for this reason a new trend is now emerging in the industry.

The industry, once ruled by women’s fashion, is no more restricted to this gender. Men of the 21st century have made themselves visible even in the fashion industry. They have shown that if females can dress well so can the men of this decade. They have shown that they match themselves with the females’ natty dressing sense and the up-to-date fashion trends. Formerly, men always opted for suits of black and navy colors and used flamboyant ties to do the talking for their looks. In this day and age, things are taking a turn.

Men these days don’t hesitate to wear colors like sporting pink mauve shirts to office and even at important office meetings. The concept of dressing up just on one day is passing out along with the Friday dressing concept. A trend for use of brighter shades excluding the black and the navy color of winters is now emerging to depict the optimism of the climate outside.

The concept of fashion designer has now extended to apply to males. Bright t-shirts and designer denims make as much a fashion statement for men as it would for women. The point to be noted is that the fashion for men is not restricted to formal or casual apparel. It’s applicable to a list of extremely diversified accessories staring from beach wear to spectacles and belts. The world of male fashion is filled with enormous opportunities and scintillating combinations to motivate the most shrewd male fashion aficionado. The male fashion doesn’t stop at clothing and dressing it even includes the various male hairstyles and the personal grooming products that have swamped the arcades.

The fashion industry for men has globally perceived a change over the last two decades. More attention has been diverted to fashion oriented dressing from modest dressing. Fashion trappings have become a way of enhancing male outlook irrespective of their age groups. Thus, it has become an area of interest not only for the fashion conscious males but also of large companies willing to invest huge amount of money.

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About High Quality Dress Shirts

About High Quality Dress Shirts

A high quality dress shirt is a piece of luxury that the well-dressed man cannot live without. Often handcrafted from the finest woven cotton, a high quality dress shirt is an essential garment for the burgeoning executive and the ambitious employee. Whether the bespoke dress shirt is sewn by European artisans or purchased off the rack at an upscale department store this item of clothing is the perfect complement to the formal tuxedo as well as the tailor-made three-piece suit.

Significance

High quality dress shirts are either tailor-made (bespoke) or purchased as ready-made from a boutique or department store specializing in suits and men's furnishing. High quality dress shirts are more expensive than basic shirts because of the attention to detail used to construct the dress shirt. The amount of stitching in the seams, use of handmade buttonholes, the precise measurements of neck, chest and sleeve, and the quality of materials used in construction of the garment are contributing factors in the high cost and legendary mystique attached to high quality dress shirts.

Types

The categories of high quality dress shirts vary by not only the types of materials used to create the shirts, but by the type collars, sleeve lengths and buttons used in the construction of the garment. The most expensive parts of a high quality shirt are the fabric used and the costs to construct the garment. Tailors refer to shirt fabrics as "shirtings." These fabrics dictate the quality of the shirt and also the occasion where the shirt is worn.

Although manufacturers for dress shirts commonly use polyester and rayon blends, cotton is the most popular fabric used for high quality dress shirts. Popular shirt fabrics for high quality dress shirts include: white pique cotton, silk poplin, broadcloth, pin-point, oxford, royal oxford, and cotton or herringbone twill. Egyptian cotton, Sea Island cotton or 100-fold, two-ply cotton is the preferred choice of high quality shirts due to its ability to breathe, its durability and unique capacity to keep the wearer's body cool throughout the workday.

Maintenance

High quality dress shirts must be laundered by a professional dry cleaner. To remove rings of dirt and grime from around the collar and inside of the cuffs, treat your shirt with a mild cleansing agent instead of bleach. Follow this spot cleaning of the shirt with a trip to the dry cleaning for professional service. Refrain from washing your shirt in the washing machine or drying it in the hot dryer. Find a professional cleaning service that specializes in high quality dress shirts to ensure the gentle removal of stains and to prevent shrinkage of the fabric.

Considerations

High quality dress shirts are not sized small, medium, large or extra large. Rather the sizing is based upon sleeve length, collar size and cuff. The types of collars available are: spread, button-down, tab collar, straight, curved, banded, Kent or London collar and mandarin. Popular designers of high quality shirts include: Thomas Pink, Giorgio Armani, Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Turnbull & Asser, Brooks Brothers and Ermenegildo Zegna.

Expert Insight

White shirts with collars are the most popular shirt worn for formal and business events. Executives in conservative environments: financial services, real estate, brokerage, government and law wear high quality dress shirt as an expression of their power, professionalism and sense of refinement.

Swedish shirt-making Company, Eton, created the world's most expensive, high quality shirt in 2008. This shirt, which retailed for $45,000, was made exclusively for a charity auction benefiting the children at Great Ormond Street hospital in London. The shirt was crafted from rare Egyptian cotton yarn and was adorned with 7 flawless diamonds.

Tags: quality dress, dress shirts, high quality, high quality dress, quality dress shirts

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Wear Tie Chains

A tie chain can help keep unruly neckwear in place.

According to "GQ Magazine," the tie chain "was popular among zoot-suiters in the late '40s and '50s, presumably [to control] one's cravat during extreme jitterbug maneuvers." While today's tie-chain wearer may not be hitting the dance floor, the tie chain is still a popular accoutrement for some gentleman. Wear this accessory to the office or wear it for dressy occasions.

Instructions

1. Decide if the tie chain fits the occasion. While tie chains are fine for everyday wear, they can catch on articles of clothing, buttons and sundry objects in passing. If day-to-day tasks carry a high risk of snagging, then eschew the tie chain until later.

2. Select which tie chain suits your outfit. Tie chains are available in both gold and silver, with gold usually reserved for more formal occasions. A thinner chain may look nice, but it will be more fragile. Choose according to taste and wear.

3. Open up the tie chain. The chain should be open if it's a double-clasp model.

4. Choose a position for the tie chain that is over a shirt button at the desired height. Traditionally, a tie chain is worn lower on the tie but can be changed to suit personal taste. For double-clasp chains, wrap the two ends of the chain around the tie and bring the closures to the rear.

5. Secure the over-button mechanism or button eyelet over the chosen button to fasten the tie chain. Usually, the wearer slips the button through the wire opening and pulls till it's secure.

6. Adjust the drape of the tie so that the chain and tie fall flat and are centered.

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Make Asian Eyes For Costumes

Asian costumes suit dramatic eyes.

A defined almond eye shape is the starting point for all Asian character looks. Creating these simple eyes lends authenticity to basic outfits, such as those for martial arts costumes. Adorning eyes with glitter, lashes and color completes theatrical attire. From geisha girls and Madam Butterfly to belly dancers, eyes are always the key focus to perfectly complement any Asian character costume. You can create Asian eyes with regular makeup bag staples, from natural to smoky and dramatic.

Instructions

1. Apply eye base from lashes to brow. You need to blend this well in a fine, even layer to give the visual effect of slightly flattening the eye socket and highlighting eye shape.

2. Blend a light-colored, matte eye shadow over the whole eye area, from lashes to brow, to further lighten the eye socket. Use a soft, fat brush so that there are no harsh lines of product around the eye.

3. Simple liner helps create an almond eye shape

Sweep liquid liner along the top lash line, close to lashes. Extend this outward to create the illusion of an almond eye shape. Men could use an eye pencil for a softer, less made-up look.

4. Use a single coat of black mascara to define top lashes only, sweeping them outwards when applying the product.

5. Comb brows into a neat, slanted shape. Pluck any stray hairs to give a clean line.

6. Darkening brows accentuates almond eyes

Darken brows, if necessary, using a little black eye shadow combed through with a firm-bristle brow brush. You can also shape brows with the shadow and make them more slanted or angular.

7. Fix brows by sweeping clear brow gel though them. This adds clean definition and ensures that your costume makeup lasts.

Tags: almond shape, Asian character, eyes with, from lashes, from lashes brow

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Fold A Handkerchief Square

One accessory that highlights a man's suit or tuxedo is a handkerchief square, or a pocket square. The handkerchief square is usually made of cotton or silk, and its color should match that of the tie. The square must be folded and placed in the front pocket of the tuxedo or suit jacket. Pocket squares are generally folded one of four ways -- one corner, two corner, three corner and with a straight fold. Folding the square only takes a few minutes to learn, and you mastering the different techniques allows you to vary your style.

Instructions

One-Fold Square

1. Place the handkerchief on a table or desk so that one corner is facing up. From above, the square should resemble a baseball diamond.

2. Fold the square in half horizontally. Grasp the bottom corner and fold it up. Match the bottom corner with the top corner so that only one peak is visible. The square now resembles a triangle.

3. Fold the right corner in toward the center of handkerchief. The folded corner should resemble a right triangle.

4. Fold the left corner in toward the center. The left-corner fold overlaps the right-corner fold.

5. Place the handkerchief in the jacket pocket. Adjust the square as necessary to ensure that only one corner peak is visible.

Two-Fold Square

6. Position the handkerchief on a table or desk so it looks like a baseball diamond.

7. Fold the bottom of the square up to the top. Do not fold the bottom corner up to match the top corner perfectly, but have the bottom corner slightly skewed to create a second peak that is roughly 1/2 inch below the other.

8. Fold the right side in toward the center of the handkerchief.

9. Fold the left side of the handkerchief in toward the center to overlap the right side that has been folded.

10. Slide the pocket square into the jacket pocket. Adjust the square so that it looks crisp.

Three-Fold Square

11. Rotate the handkerchief on a table or desk so the corners are at the top, bottom and sides.

12. Fold the bottom corner of the handkerchief square up toward the top corner. Fold the square horizontally at an angle to form two peaks.

13. Fold the left corner toward the center and up to create a third peak at the top of the handkerchief pocket square.

14. Fold the right corner in to the center of the handkerchief square to create a right angle.

15. Put the handkerchief square in the tuxedo or suit jacket pocket. Fix the square so the three corners that form the peaks are straight.

Straight-Fold Square

16. Place the handkerchief square on a table or desk so it looks like a normal square.

17.Fold the square in half vertically. Match the corners, and create a sharp crease at the fold.

18. Fold the bottom of the pocket square up toward the top. Make this fold so the handkerchief is the height necessary to keep the square visible when placed in the jacket pocket.

19. Put the pocket square in the jacket pocket. Adjust the square so it is evenly displayed out of the pocket.

Tags: pocket square, bottom corner, toward center, handkerchief square, jacket pocket

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How Men'S Pants Should Fit

A men's suit

Clothing can sometimes communicate the wrong things about a person. Too loose or too tight clothing might give off the wrong impression--not to mention that it can be unflattering. When your clothes fit just right, it communicates that you're suave and sophisticated, well-groomed and well-prepared to face any challenge. Getting the proper fit for pants is essential for any man who wishes to be a Dapper Dan. Does this Spark an idea?

Properly Fitting Trousers

Getting your trousers made-to-measure can be costly and many of us have to buy off the rack. Not to fret, it's still possible to get that clean and sharp fit. Pants are usually sold in waist and inseam measurements. For example, a 32x30 is a 32 inch waist with a 30 inch inseam. Knowing these measurements goes a long way in picking the best fitting slacks. If you don't know them, you can always have a sales assistant take them for you. Be sure the assistant takes your waist measurement above your naval---this is your natural waist.

To test the fit, put the slacks on. Without your shoes, the back of the pant leg should just touch the ground. With shoes on, it should barely touch the floor. Buy slacks that are slightly longer than you need that way you can have a professional tailor create the break, the point in which the pant leg stops on your shoes.

Your style of dress determines the type of pant break you want. A medium break is the industry standard and is worn by more conservative men. The trendy man about town tends to favor a full break. The true fashionista will probably go for the short break, which creates a "high waters" look.

(reference 1, 2, and 3)

Properly Fitting Jeans

Nothing beats an old, worn pair of comfortable jeans--except a nicely fitting pair of new denim. It shouldn't be an arduous task to find a good fit of jeans. For men, there are four types of jeans to choose from: slim, regular, relaxed and loose. Slim fit jeans hug your thighs. Regular jeans are somewhere between slim fit and a regular fit. Relaxed fit has an extra inch for a more comfortable rear. Loose fit has up to four inches of additional denim, creating a baggy look. Your body type is going to determine what jeans fit you the best. For instance, a heavier man might want to avoid a tighter slim fit as it would create some unfortunate bulging, and a slender man would drown in the excess fabric of a loose fit.

Leg styles for jeans are straight leg, flare and boot-cut. Flare cut jeans are wider around the thigh. Boot-cut jeans flare out at the bottoms.

Sometimes it's hard to find a good inseam length for an average man. Occasionally, you'll have to hem your pants. If you do, be sure to take it to a tailor so he can properly recreate the bottom stitching of the jeans. The hem should be a short hem about half-an-inch wide. Also, wash your jeans before having them altered. If you don't, you're newly hemmed jeans might shrink, turning them into Capri pants.

(reference 1&2)

Tags: find good, Properly Fitting, slim regular, your shoes

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Fashion From the 1930s

If you want to have fun with your fashion statement one technique that never fails is to go back in time at least 50 years. Through the miracle of television re-runs they are still running the old shows from those years and so you don’t have to guess what they were wearing. By watching the old shows you can see for yourself that the styles were more simple and the haircuts were clean.

One of our favorite shows from that time is “Leave it to Beaver” because of the innocence in the troubles that the “Beav” got in to. If he got a bad grade at school, that was a major catastrophe. Nowadays simply being able to go to school and staying in school regardless of the grades received is a miracle for many high school, junior high, and elementary students.

What can the “Beav” teach us about fashion? Plenty. Simple is still cool. A baseball hat is still cool. You can mess up your dress pants, but you cannot really harm your jeans. Your older brother (or other men) do not look any better than you do, they only think they do. Your Dad may know a lot of stuff but he is not really to be trusted when it comes to fashion advice. Nor should you follow the examples set by others who actually have less of a clue about what to wear than you understand. Your mom does know best (Barbara Billingsley who played Beaver’s mom just died at the ripe old age of 94, bless her heart).

If you think you are immune to Beav-fashion, then think again. Every time you put on your jeans you can thank the Beav, because it was in the 1950’s that jeans changed from being work clothes to being cool to wear everyday and to wear to school. James Dean had a lot to do with that, but so did the Beav. The clean cut look is still as fashionable as ever. Short hair cuts (in the olden days they were called crew-cuts) are as fashionable today as they were 60 years ago.

Short hair, shiny shoes, cotton shirts with or without patterned ties, a sweater or that existential leather jacket are still a very cool look. Interesting to note is that the very short haircut (also called the buzz cut) went from being the average All-American male fashion choice in the 1950s to being part of the radical fringe three decades or so later. As with all fashion trends, old became new again.

There is definitely a place in current men’s fashion for a clean cut look as evidenced by the designs of Abercrombie & Fitch or J Crew. These and other designers specialize in this look. It is not age restricted to teenagers either. Men of all ages can wear a nice pair of jeans with a casual cotton shirt. They look great when they also take the time to polish their shoes. You can get a close cut hair cut at your nearest Super Duper cuts and with a nice cardigan sweater you can complete the “preppy” look and be completely in fashion.

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Become A Registered Apprentice

An apprentice is a specialized employee; he or she is a person working toward certification as a professional in his or her chosen field. Becoming a registered apprentice is the equivalent of going into a career training and job placement program. It requires the same amount of effort as any job hunt and can sometimes be more competitive. Registered apprenticeships exist in many fields, such as construction, health care, culinary arts, and mechanical and automotive trades.

Instructions

Instructions

1. Select a trade in which you'd like to work. Think of a registered apprenticeship as career training in that particular trade.

2. Consider doing some pre-apprenticeship training. Programs for training are available through high schools, colleges, trade schools and community organizations.

3. Find an apprenticeship program to which you'd like to apply. Search through your local apprentice organization by location and field. Registered apprenticeship can be done with a company or an individual employer. It is up to you to find and contact those employers.

4. Draw up a detailed resume. As with any job resume, additional experience will make your application for apprenticeship stand out from the crowd.

5. Apply for the registered apprenticeship program you've found. Follow the employer's instructions during the application process, and realize that many employers will ask you to work in a labor or shop-hand capacity before awarding you an apprenticeship. They do this to make sure applicants have the work ethic and skills necessary. Applications can also be filed through the union that handles your desired field.

Tags: apprenticeship program, career training, registered apprenticeship, which like

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Dress When Meeting A Modeling Agency

Dress appropriately when meeting with a modeling agency.

If you have your sights set on a career in the glamorous world of modeling, at some point you'll need to be taken on by a modeling agency. When meeting with an agency for the first time, it's critical to make a good impression. Part of this impression will be formed by the clothing you wear to the meeting.

Dress to Impress

The way you dress for your initial meeting with a modeling-agency representative can determine whether or not you'll be hired. According to fashion photographer Bob Pardue, your intent should be to impress the person you're meeting without wearing clothing that seems "gaudy or cheap." You want to project the image of a stylish professional; ripped jeans and unkempt clothing should be avoided. Think of your first meeting as a job interview, but don't forget that much of the decision will be based on how you look, so choose clothing that accentuates your strengths and brings out your best features.

Be Conservative

It's generally a good idea to dress conservatively, so stay away from clothing that's too tight or overly revealing. Your goal, says Pardue, is to bring attention to your face, as that is essentially what you're "selling" to the agency. Pardue suggests clothing such as a conservative skirt with a moderate hemline, dressy slacks, a long-sleeved pullover or sweater, or a long-sleeved, button-up shirt -- clothing that will give the impression that you're down-to-earth and easy to work with.

Neutrality

Other options include form-fitting jeans, so long as they're not tattered. Try to wear muted, solid-colored tops that will complement your skin tone. In choosing your clothing, strive for neutrality. For example, wear minimal jewelry, and avoid jewelry that's too flashy. It's also a good idea to wear high-heeled shoes, typically with heels that are between two and three inches. If you're an aspiring male model, don't show up wearing a suit and tie; instead, opt for a pair of crisp khaki pants and a fitted button-down shirt or T-shirt.

Hair and Makeup

Although you're trying to impress the modeling-agency representative, you also want her to see you in a natural state. With this in mind, wear as little make-up as possible; in fact, some agencies may even insist that you wear no makeup at all so they can evaluate your face more easily. If you feel totally "naked" without makeup, you can always put on a small amount of mascara, and possibly a light stroke of eye shadow, provided it accents your natural skin tone. In addition, you may also want to cover any blemishes or skin outbreaks with a light dab of concealer. It's also a good idea to avoid fancy hairstyles. Wear your hair as you normally do, ensuring that it's not covering your face.

Tags: clothing that, good idea, meeting with, your face, also good

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Make A Pastor'S Stole

Liturgical season influences stole colors and decorations in many demoninations.

Stoles are symbols of Christian ordination worn by many clergymen during worship services and special ceremonies. Churches have different guidelines regarding style, color, embellishments and the degree of choice pastors have with regard to their "official" apparel. For many churches, liturgical season is a major factor in determining stole colors and decorations. Regardless, stoles come in many materials and styles, from simple to ornate, and they can add extra beauty and symbolic depth to a church service. You can find stole patterns in pattern catalogs as well as on-line, where you will also find guidelines for major denominations.

Instructions

1. Determine the yardage and fabric recommendations for your pattern. Select a fabric for the front, or main fabric. Choose a matching or coordinating fabric for the back or lining. Select an appropriate inter-lining, which you will place between the front and back to give the stole more body. Softer fabrics require a heavier inter-lining than tapestries and brocades.

2. Fold the main fabric in half lengthwise. Pin the pattern to the fabric, keeping it smooth and flat. Cut through both layers. Fold the lining in half and attach the pattern. Cut out the lining. Cut out two pieces of the inter-lining.

3. Embellish the stole with embroidery, applique or fringe before sewing it together. Any design that matches the liturgical season is appropriate.

4. Sew right and left sides together at the neck seam. Sew the lining and inter-lining neck seams. Press all seams flat.

5. Lay the front of the stole flat, wrong side up, and baste the inter-lining to the front fabric. Turn it over and pin the back fabric to the stole, right sides facing. Pin and baste all the way around the stole.

6. Sew along the seam allowance around the stole. Leave a 4-inch space that is not sewn on the inside edge. Remove the pins.

7. Snip around the curve of the neck. Make short cuts about 1/2-inch apart. Do not cut through the stitching. Trim the seam allowance at the bottom corners.

8. Turn the stole right-side-out through the opening. Slip-stitch the opening. Test the iron temperature on a scrap of front and back fabrics to determine the temperature setting of the iron before you press the stole. Smooth the edges and press the garment flat.

Tags: around stole, colors decorations, front back, liturgical season, main fabric

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Put On A Tie Pin

Put on a Tie Pin

Tired of your tie flying all over the place? Use a tie pin. Also known as stickpins or tie tacks, a tie pin will hold your tie close to your shirt, preventing you from looking disheveled. Tie pins are often themed, making them a good way to show your love for your company, your political party, or your favorite sports team. Tie pins can be a bit awkward to use at first but you'll get the hang of it.

Instructions

1. Look at your tie pin. It should have two parts: the pin, which will show on your tie, and the base, which has the pin holder at one end and a metal crosspiece on the other. These two ends are held together with a chain.

2. Start the process with your shirt and tie already on.

3. Unbutton a button on your shirt. This button should be near the middle of your tie or slightly lower.

4. Thread the metal crosspiece on the end of the tie pin base's chain through the button hole.

5. Button the button. You should now have the base hanging out of the button hole.

6. Insert the pin through both the front and back of the tie and into the pin holder. Make sure to place the pin at the level of the button or else the chain may break. Pull down slightly on the tie before you place the pin so the tie doesn't arc outward. Adjust the pin if it's crooked.

Tags: your shirt, button hole, button should, metal crosspiece, should have, show your

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Sewing A Top Hat

The top hat was a favorite of Abraham Lincoln.

A top hat can be a fun addition to a Halloween costume or for use in a play. The top hot has been around for 200 years, but is not considered to be fashionable today. Instead of searching thrift stores or paying for a new hat that you are unlikely to wear often, sew your own top hat; this saves money and ensures a perfect fit. A top hat is a fairly simple construction that comprises the large brim that sits on the head, the smaller top circle on the top of the hat and the sides that connect the brim and top.

Instructions

1. Cut two ovals out of your dark-color felt to make the brim pieces. Make the ovals approximately 13 inches by 15 inches. Cut two rectangular flue pieces from the dark felt color; these should be approximately 24 inches long and 3.5 inches tall.

2. Draw an 8-inch-diameter circle on a piece of paper and cut it out. Hold it above you and look at yourself in a mirror to see if you like its size for the top of your hat. Make adjustments to the size and then cut a circular piece out of the light-color felt for your top piece.

3. Sew the two brim pieces together, one directly on top of the other. Draw a circle in the center of your brim pieces that is approximately 6 inches in diameter or measure your head and draw a circle that is slightly larger than your head measurement.

4. Stitch the two liner pieces together, starting from about an eighth of an inch from the outside edge of the brim. Cut the center of the brim from the inside of the circle you drew.

5. Pull the brim inside-out through the hole that you just cut. Sew the turned line about half an inch from the outside edge of the brim.

6. Assemble the flue by first sewing together the different-colored flue bands. Sew one band of the dark felt to a band of the lighter felt, starting about an eighth of an inch from the bottom edge. Sew all four bands together, alternating colors so that they make a piece that is about 6.5 inches tall.

7. Sew the top of the flue to the circular top piece about an eighth of an inch from the edge with the flue turned inside out. Turn the flue right-side out so that it covers the edge of the top of the hat.

8. Pull the bottom edge of the flue through the hole in the brim. Fold the sides of the brim against the flue and then sew the flue to the inside of the brim. Begin sewing at the middle front part of the brim and work outward, away from the center. Sew both sides of the flue to the brim.

9. Turn the flue inside out and squash it flat so that you can see the excess of the flaps. Trim off the excess and turn the hat right-side out again.

Tags: inch from, about eighth, about eighth inch, approximately inches, brim pieces, eighth inch, eighth inch from

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Locate Vests For Men Wearing A Size 54 Short

Visit suit shops to find the right vest.

To locate a size 54 Short men's vest, change your routine. Abandon big-box retailers for a men's suit store. A size 54 vest accommodates a man with a 52 inch chest, with 2 to 2-1/2 additional inches of fabric for ease for movement. Short-sized vests, signified with an "S" or "Short," feature not only a shorter length, but scaled-down embellishments for men under 5' 8" tall. Sometimes manufacturers use a letter size, particularly for sweater vests and other less-structured styles. Size 54 corresponds to size XXXL, also expressed as 3XL.

Instructions

1. Use a measuring tape to verify your size.

Verify your chest measurements, especially if you're not in the habit of wearing tailored clothing. Ask a friend or a tailor for help. Use a fabric or flexible-fabric measuring tape. If you measure 54 inches, consider trying on both a size 54 and a 56.

2. Department stores don't always have a large selection of short sizes.

Visit your local suit or menswear store. Mid-range department stores typically carry the best-selling sizes. A store selling suits exclusively will have a range of shorter and larger styles on hand.

3. Try on vests in size 54, if your chest measures just shy of that dimension. Stand up straight. Move your arms behind your back and forward check the fit. Sit on a bench or chair. The vest should not ride up.

4. Consult a tailor for personalized recommendations. Some men can wear clothing off the rack, but tailoring can give better results. If your physique is athletic, minor tailoring may be required to reduce excess material across the stomach. If your abdomen is proportionately larger and the last button is a bit tight, choose a vest one size up and tailor the shoulders or move the buttons slightly for a custom fit.

Tags: measuring tape, your chest

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Top 10 Fashion Tips For Men

Some guys are brilliant with their fashion knowledge, but most just don’t have a clue when it comes to fashion. This article is for those men who need tips on how to appear fashionable yet masculine. Appearance can make or break a business deal, job opportunity, or first-date. Follow these ten simple rules and improve your fashion sense.

1. Make sure the clothes fit properly. This is the most important rule. It doesn’t matter if you’re wearing Ralph Lauren or Versace – if it doesn’t fit properly, it looks terrible. These days, you can get custom-made shirts and suits if you’re one of those guys who find it difficult to find off-the-rack items that fit. One of the number one fashion faux pas is the baggy bottom effect. Make sure those jeans fit!

2. Learn how to use an iron. As above, it doesn’t matter if you wear designer clothes if the clothes are full of wrinkles. Invest in an iron and learn how to use it, or buy items that are wrinkle-resistant.

3. Invest in some good shoes. Women pay attention to shoes, and so should men. There’s nothing worse than a great outfit that’s spoiled by a pair of cheap shoes in a color or style that don’t match the clothes. You only need two or three good pairs that will go with anything you wear. Ask at the shoe store for some good “staple” shoes.

4. Don’t be afraid of color. This doesn’t mean you should go overboard and wear eight different colors at once, but do try to break out of that blue-or-black rut.

5. Buy clothes as expensive as you can afford. Generally, when it comes to clothes, the expensive ones are pricey for a reason – they’re high quality. Buy classics that will last you a long time and your investment will be worth it. Cheap clothes will not last, and they look like their price.

6. Accessorize! Etsy.com is full of handmade accessories like tie bars and tacks, cuff links, watches, belt buckles, and more. Express some personality with your accessories.

7. Act confident. When you feel confident about your appearance and carry yourself well, you make your clothes look better. A man with good posture always looks better than one who slouches, even if they wear the exact same clothes.

8. Avoid “fad” trends. Don’t invest good money in a clothing trend that is sure to pass before the end of the season. If you must follow celebrity trends, pick an accessory that is easily replaceable, like a pair of sunglasses or a hat.

9. The classics are always, well…classic. If you have a few good classic staples in your wardrobe, you can build upon them each year and never have a tired look. Choose good suits with classic cuts (think a more modern version of the double-breasted suit that emphasizes wide shoulders, a narrow waist, and narrow trousers), a few pairs of good jeans, and a nice coat or two. Wool pea-coats are one of those classic staples that never get old, and look good over anything.

10. Keep good grooming habits. There’s no easier way to ruin the effects of great clothes than when you go out with greasy hair or an unshaven face. Daily maintenance takes a lot less time than occasional overhauls, so take a few minutes each day and make sure your face and hair are tidy. Get your hair cut regularly, and invest in a good razor. If you’re one for a beard or moustache, keep it trimmed and clean.

These ten general fashion tips will help even the most hopeless of men get a grip on how to be fashionable. Be amazed at how your friends and family (and complete strangers) notice your improved appearance when you make these simple changes.

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Do A Bald Fade

Cutting your own hair is a great way to save some money. The thought of doing your own hair cut may be intimidating at first, but some styles are quite easy to accomplish. One popular clean-cut hairstyle for men is the "bald fade," where the hair is cut extremely close to the head from the bottom of the hairline, half way up to the crown of the head. The steps below explain create your own bald fade.

Instructions

1. Comb or brush the hair outward from the crown in its natural pattern. Set electric clippers on the highest setting, where the blade is furthest from the tip of the guard.

2. Find the middle of the forehead from top to bottom and draw an invisible line around the head. This is your guard line.

3. Set the clipper flat against your face and move it upward. Begin at the bottom of the sideburn or the area right in front of one ear. Cut up to---but not past---your guard line.

4. Continue to cut around the head in this manner, making sure that the hair is cut cleanly and evenly. Repeat until you get to the front of the opposite ear. When you are done, you should have hair on top of your head and the sides should be bald. It should look like somebody put a bowl over your head and cut off all the exposed hair.

5. Cut the hair on top of the head at this point, still keeping the guard on your clipper at its highest setting. Be sure to keep the clipper lying flat against the head and cut in the direction the hair grows. Clip evenly and cleanly so that there are no blotches or thick pieces of hair still on the head. At this point, you should have hair on top of your head down to the guard line and a bald head below the guard line.

6. Using a rocking upward wrist motion, blend the hair right at your guard line. Start clipping just beneath the guard line with the tip of the clipper blade against the head, rocking the blade away from the head as you move the clippers up over the guard line. As you pull the clipper up and away from the head, the area where you started cutting is shorter than where you pull the clipper away from the head at the end. This creates a blended effect.

7. Continue to cut in this manner from in front of one ear, all the way around the back of the head to the other ear. When you are done, the guard line should have disappeared and there with be a smooth blend between the top of the head and the sides. If the guard line is still visible, repeat steps 6 and 7 as many times as necessary.

8. Take your liner clippers and line up the front hairline once you get the blend right. Line up the hair by taking the liner clipper, holding them so the blade is pointing down, and placing them where the hairline starts.

9. In a downward motion, brush the clipper straight down. This should make a small straight line. Continue that straight line all the way across the head. The line should be perfectly straight across.

Tags: guard line, away from, away from head, from head, should have

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Differences Between U S & European Fashion

Fashionable people can be found everywhere, but the definition of fashion changes everywhere you go.

One of the first things one notices when transitioning between the United States and European countries is the often stark contrast in the fashion of both men and women. This article contains some qualitative analysis with a slight bias towards haute couture, but keep in mind that fashion is not about how much something costs, but how well the outfit is composed. It would be as much a mistake to lump together New Yorker and San Franciscan style as it would be to lump together Parisian and Milanese style. For brevity, this article will only highlight the major differences between American and European style.

Men's Fashion

Men with purses? Depends on where you are.

When it comes to men's fashion, the major difference is accessories. In Europe, you will find that men wear a lot more accessories than in America. Some of the most common that you will find is scarves of all lengths and patterns, tie-bars, hats and pocket squares. One accessory that in many ways sums up the difference between American and European fashion is the satchel, which has come to be known as the "man-purse" in the states. What is seen as quite normal in Europe tends to be perceived as metro-sexual or even homosexual in the states. Fashion choices like extra-long scarves and capris may go unnoticed in Europe but make statements stateside. Most people generally consider European men more fashionable than American men and that is mainly because they are more daring. American male fashion is generally more subdued, but on either continent there are those on the cutting edge.

Women's fashion

While leggings are just a layer in Europe they can be worn alone in the US.

The difference between fashionable women across the Atlantic is not as pronounced as that of men, but is certainly notable. The principle difference is that American women dress a lot more for comfort than European women, who dress for appearance. A good example of this is the way that women where t-shirts and leggings in both countries. Whereas in America women often don graphic tees as standalone tops European women will usually only use t-shirts as a part of an ensemble, with a preference towards simpler solid color t-shirts. While leggings are popular on both continents there is a huge trend in the US to wear leggings by themselves, a rare sight in Europe. It must be stated that very fashionable women on both sides of the Atlantic have very individual styles which makes it impossible to generalize. Women who are less fashionable in the US will often wear things that you would never catch your average urban European woman wearing.

Youth Fashion

Ironically, fashion among youngsters in both countries is very similar. While European adults are known for a comparatively more sophisticated style than Americans fashion among young adults in Europe actually tends toward American fashion. This has more to do with globalization and the influence of American music and movies than culture, which can be considered evidence that a global youth culture is evolving.

Top fashion designers

The most famous designers in Europe are very well known with great success in both America and Europe: Versace, Gucci, Prada, Alexander McQueen and Georgio Armani. These designers are known for their particularly elegant styles. America's best designers have very unique styles: Ralph Lauren, Vera Wang, Marc Jacobs and Calvin Klein are some of the best. Watching the runways of designers from either region is a very different experience, as American designers tend towards more wearable fashion, while European fashion is often high couture, but not very wearable.

Tags: American European, between American, between American European, both countries, difference between, European fashion

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Identify A Fake Rolex Watch

Identify a Fake Rolex Watch

There was a time when one had to take a trip to New York City to cross paths with a fake Rolex for $25. It was practically a tourist attraction: See the Statue of Liberty, catch a Yankee game, get offered a fake Rolex from a petty criminal. It used to be exciting to buy one when they were $25--the purchase was half the fun and it made for great cocktail party conversation. The problem is now they're everywhere: Online auctions, pawn shops, vintage second-hand shops and good charlatans are scamming people for real thousand-dollar Rolex prices.

Instructions

1. Take a look at the second hand. Is it ticking or is it sweeping? If it's ticking, that's your fake. A Rolex second hand sweeps around in one continuous motion. But beware, as of 2005, the good fakes have caught up to this technology.

2. Look for the small engraved crown at the 6 o'clock mark on the crystal. Most fakes will have some sort of large, obvious version of a crown, but this mark on a real Rolex is almost impossible to spot with the naked eye.

3. Look for the word "Rolex" and the watch's serial number engraved at 6 o'clock under the crystal on the area between the crystal and the dial. While many fake Rolex watches post-2005 have this feature, they're usually printed, not engraved.

4. Most new Rolex models have an added model number engraved at the end of the watch end-link. This engraving includes the band model and two tiny Rolex crowns. Your good fakes will have something similar, but not all three indicators.

5. If you're being sold an authentic Rolex (in good condition and in perfect working order) for anything less than $500, become suspicious. If it's in nice shape, it doesn't really lose a lot of appreciation, and in some cases, it increases in value.

Tags: fake Rolex, Fake Rolex, Fake Rolex Watch, fakes will, fakes will have, good fakes, Identify Fake

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The Importance of Fashion

Fashion nowadays is very important for a variety of reasons. Other people around you perceive you by the way you present yourself. Dressing up appropriately will help you give a good impression on others and people will see you as a person with high self-esteem.

Fashion is very broad when it comes to tips available for people, regardless of who you are and the way you chose to dress. You may find some of these tips very useful for you, while some, might not fit your mood or taste. The most important thing when it comes to fashion is dressing up for comfort thus making you feel confident and beautiful. You should dress up not to impress anyone but to make yourself feel good. Dressing up comfortably helps make you look appealing and beautiful. Make up also plays a big role when it comes to fashion. Avoid wearing too much make up as this will tend to make you look quite unprofessional and untidy most of the time. Applying just the right amount of make up to the eyes and lips is enough to make you look fresh and clean.

Accessories can help a lot in making your own fashion statement. Remember, a wardrobe can become more fashionable if you add in a little of the correct and right accessories. Make sure as well that the shoes you wear goes along with your wardrobe. The same principle also goes for the bag that you use. Make sure the jewelries you use are neutral ones so that it will go along with all the wardrobes that you have. Your wardrobes should also include basic neutral colors like black, white, beige and brown. These colors never go out of style. You should also consider theses colors when it comes to your make up as well.

We all have different body types which may be far from the perfect figure. With that said, it is advisable that you find styles and colors which will compliment the kind of figure you have. Tailored outfits, which maybe costly at times, can be really flattering to whatever kind of figure you have. The main thing is, make sure your outfit fits you properly to compliment the body that you have.

Regardless whether you're going out for a formal dinner date or a casual afternoon outing, always make sure you try to look your best. Inexpensive yet simple things can help a lot in achieving the specific look that you want. Example for this would be a simple necklace or a nice pair of heels.

When it comes to make up, less is always more. To cover any imperfections like freckles, pimples or uneven skin tone, use a concealer that matches your skin color. Don't overdo it if you don't want to look like a clown. Don't wear too much dark makeup. Light colors like pink or light brown, when used on the lips, can help you appear looking fresh and natural. Remember, the eyes and lips are the first thing that people notice so make sure that you enhance them properly with the right kind of make up shade.

Keeping up with fashion doesn't have to be time consuming or expensive. Just make sure you have the basics and you have the right wardrobe that fits your personality. Mixing and matching outfits together will help you come up with a fashion statement that it uniquely your own.

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Put On A Type I Life Vest

Life Vests save lives. The U.S. Coast Guard categorizes life vests into three types: * Type III vests, designed for boating in calm water where quick rescue is available.

* Type II vests, designed for use where quick rescue is probable but are not suitable for extended use in extremely cold or rough water.

* Type I vests, designed to support an unconscious person face up in rough and choppy waters where rescue may not come quickly.

Type I life vests have greater flotation value than the other two. They generally come in two sizes--one for most adults and one for most children.

Instructions

1. Open the front of the life vest and put it on just as you would a vest. Make sure the flotation collar hangs down the back of the vest.

2. Fasten the plastic buckle in the front of the vest. Some vests may have a zipper instead of, or in addition to, a plastic buckle.

3. Adjust the webbing strap attached to the plastic buckle until the vest fits snugly.

4. Check for proper fit. The Coast Guard advises that you raise your arms above your head as if signaling a touchdown. Turn your head left and right. If your chin touches the vest, it is too loose and should be tightened. Check the fit of a child's vest by tugging up on the vest. If it lifts high enough to cover the child's ears, it is too loose.

5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until you have a proper snug fit. Do this before the boat leaves the dock or shore. No life vest works if you don't wear it. (That's from the Coast Guard too.)

Tags: Coast Guard, plastic buckle, Type vests, Type vests designed, vests designed

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Cons Of Getting Piercings

Tongue piercing can damage tooth enamel.

The decision to pierce or not to pierce should never be taken lightly. Body piercing, while carried out for the purpose of cosmetic enhancement, is still technically an invasive surgical procedure, carrying the same risks as other types of surgery. Scarring, bleeding and bacterial infection can occur after piercing, while healing times can be slow. Anyone who suffers from heart valve problems, diabetes, hemophilia or other conditions that might hamper the healing process, should avoid piercings because there is a greater risk of complications.

Risk of Infection

Body piercings come with an associated risk of bacterial infection. This happens when an abscess forms around the pierced area. If left untreated, this can cause blood poisoning or toxic shock syndrome, potentially fatal conditions. Nose and tongue piercings have a higher risk of infection because these areas have more naturally occurring bacteria. Ear cartilage piercings are also more likely to cause an infection because the skin is close to the underlying cartilage and pus can become trapped. Surgery is usually necessary to remove the infected cartilage because this type of infection doesn't respond to antibiotics.

Slow Healing Times

Depending on the body part that is pierced, healing time can be slow because the type of tissue in each area is different. Navel piercings take from nine months to a year to heal, lip piercings between two to three months, ear cartilage piercings from three to six months, and nipple piercings between three to six months.

Transmission of Disease

It is important to have the procedure done by a professional body piercer because you are at risk of getting infected with HIV or hepatitis if the piercing is done with a dirty needle. Skilled professionals use sterile instruments, clean the disinfect the area that is pierced and discard the needle after using it.

Scarring and Blood Loss

Piercing can cause bleeding, particularly in areas such as the tongue, that have a lot of blood vessels. Swelling and scarring can also occur around the pierced area. Avoid piercing if you have heart valve problems because it can cause inflammation of the heart valves in people who are susceptible.

Dental Problems

Tongue piercings can cause tooth enamel to chip if jewelry is in contact with the tooth. Tongue piercings can also cause your airways to become blocked and can cause speech impediments.

Tags: three months, around pierced, around pierced area, bacterial infection, between three

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Buy Jeans For Tall Women

Fortunately, tall women can get away with more different styles of jeans than shorter women. Shorter women want to buy jeans that make them look taller than they actually are. On the other hand, tall women should look for jeans that fit properly and bring attention to their long legs.

Instructions

1. Show off your height with bootcut and straight-leg jeans. You don't need to get loose-fit jeans if you're tall. Bring all eyes to your long legs with a streamlined cut.

2. Buy jeans from a retailer that caters to taller women. Ideally, you want to find jeans labeled as "long." Both New York & Co and Express have jeans for women that need a longer cut.

3. Measure the inseam. If you can't find cuts labeled as long, then get a type with a lengthy inseam. Lucky Brand Jeans come in sizes with inseams as long as 36 inches.

4. Try on the jeans to check the hemline. If you don't get the right sized cut, your jeans can enter flood pants territory. Ideally, the hem should fall at your heel.

5. Stay away from low rise jeans if you're very tall with a long torso. Low rise jeans can elongate your torso even more.

Tags: jeans that, labeled long, long legs, rise jeans, tall women

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Tankini Fashion

Tankini swimming wear is now among the most recent trends in terms of swim wear. Over the past few a long time tankini swimming wear is becoming extremely common. Today there are several different sorts of designers and styles for anybody on any kind of price range. Some designers are just normal ladies looking to add new designs in the swimming wear industry. Each day there's new styles and styles to choose from. What you should remember is that simply because it's a mystery designer, it does not mean the quality of the tankini or swimming wear is lesser.

You do not have to pay out $100 on your tankini swimming wear to get something that may work for you. If you're on a budget, you do not have to hurt you wallet. You'll find tankini swimming wear that may function for beneath $50 in lots of instances.

You just purchase it separately. You can also choose a few varieties of tops and a few kinds of bottoms and change it up a bit. Even though all of us come in different shapes and sizes, most ladies at one point or another grumble about themselves and it's usually the waist that the complaints stem from. No matter whether you believe your belly is too large, too unattractive or even too hairy; donning a two piece is commonly out of the question-unless you try a tankini that's! The tankini, to be honest, has got to be undoubtedly the biggest thing to take place in swimwear for females! The majority of us would love to don a bikini but few are pleasant showing that much skin which is where the tankini comes in. A tankini allows you to like all of the advantages of the bikini while still allowing you to be humble or protect your problem area. What makes a two piece so appealing in the first place is the flexibility because in several instances you are able to combine and match your sets to make different looks and even accommodate being a different dimensions on the top than you might be on the bottom. Having a 2 piece on can also be hassle-free, like when you need to run towards the women room! And, on a marginally more superficial level; using a two piece on means being able to sun a little more of your body which is good for people who appreciate just a little tan. A tankini offers you that flexibility while permitting you to have your midriff covered while you walk around or swim or simply simply don`t feel like showing your stomach off. The bottoms come in all cuts and the tankini tops come in types like tank, cami, bandeau, and more. The seashore is an suitable place to pay out the summer time, or birthdays or anniversaries. Or for no reason as all. Several couples also prefer to have their wedding at the beach front.

Furthermore, some business businesses even hold their seminars or trainings in beaches. When going to the beach front, it's essential to have a pleasant swimsuit to wear. Currently, there are several sorts of swimming wear and beach wear for ladies and youthful girls out there and amongst these is the tankini.

A tankini is a well-liked sort of women's clothing made in order to provide versatility to its user. Yet another good thing about a tankini is that it hugs one's body, displaying all of your curves without letting you show a lot of one's skin. As a result of this, they give simplicity for ladies who need to use a bathroom. Due to its toughness, a tankini can be donned while playing common beach front games like volley ball.

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Identify Antique Belt Buckles

The belt buckle prior to the 1920s was used primarily for decorative purposes.

The history of the belt buckle dates back to the 2nd and 3rd century B.C., with the semi nomadic Chinese. By the 1920s, men wore belt buckles primarily for function, as trousers sat lower at the natural waist, which required a belt often accompanied with a buckle. Collecting belt buckles can be a great investment as many belt buckle collectors pay thousands of dollars for buckles manufactured and worn during notable and historic times, including the Civil War and World War II. Identifying an antique buckle based on specific characteristics is possible.

Instructions

1. Familiarize yourself with construction styles and buckle material associated with historic periods. For example, in Nazi Germany during the 1930s, aluminum, steel and brass were plentiful and often used for buckle construction.

2. Turn the belt buckle over and look for manufacturer markings. There are notable belt buckle manufactures regarded as industry pioneers and expert craftsmen. These companies include Michael Srour, Al Pecetti, William Nelson and Robert Schaezlein.

3. Join vintage belt buckle collector forums. You can locate these forums by searching for vintage belt buckle collectors. Expert collectors can often assist with identification. You can post detailed pictures of buckles if you have questions about age, time periods and manufactures and get helpful responses from users with extensive collecting backgrounds.

Tags: belt buckle, belt buckle collectors, belt buckles, buckle collectors, vintage belt, vintage belt buckle

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Make A Navy Seal Sniper Ghillie Suit

Cover and concealment is a priority for snipers.

Snipers play a deadly role in conventional warfare, and none are more feared and honored than snipers in the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Navy SEALs. Snipers undergo rigorous training in tactical warfare and are experts in cover and concealment. Concealment is the most essential component of a sniper's skill set, and through the use of a ghillie suit, a sniper can blend into any environment and use the element of surprise to his advantage. Constructing a ghillie suit takes planning, considering the type of environment the suit will need to be used in. A ghillie suit can be made form ordinary supplies available at most stores.

Instructions

1. Use an old vest as the base of the ghillie suit. An old hunting vest, or military load-bearing vest is ideal for this step. You can obtain one at any sporting goods store or Army/Navy surplus store if you don't have an old one lying around.

2. Fasten twine or jute netting to the vest using jute or safety pins. Cut the netting long enough to drape over your head and shoulders, then attach it to the back of the vest. You can punch holes through the vest to aid in tying the netting in place.

3. Cut open a burlap sack and fasten it to the net over the neck and shoulder area of the vest. Tie it in place, using jute, then put the vest on and ensure that the sack can drape over your head and cover your shoulders. Fasten another burlap sack to the middle region of the vest back, and ensure that the sack hangs down over the buttocks to mid-thigh.

4. Fasten jute netting to the back of the burlap sacks, using jute or twine. Then cut pieces of jute or twine, or shred an old camouflage T-shirt to a length of about six- to eight-inch pieces. Tie the pieces of jute and T-shirt to the netting, and space them out all around the surface of the burlap.

5. Take your ghillie suit out into the field wherever you'll be hunting and select an area to set up a shooting position. Cut pieces of surrounding foliage and attach them to the back of your ghillie suit. You can use safety pins or twine to tie the foliage into place. If you're in an area with a lot of fallen leaves, throw handfuls of leaves on the back of the suit and slightly push them on the suit. The burlap and jute will cling to the leaves and hold them in place. You can tie pine needle clusters, hay, large broad-leaf plant clippings or anything else to help blend in to your surrounding environment.

Tags: ghillie suit, using jute, burlap sack, drape over, drape over your, ensure that

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Make Men'S Shirts Look More Feminine

Use men's shirts to make shirtdresses and other menswear-inspired fashions.

Men's button-down shirts and T-shirts are comfortable, classic and casual. For these reasons, men's shirts inspire women's apparel. But there's no need to spend money on a new fitted flannel plaid shirt or dress when you can create the same look using shirts bought from the thrift store. Here are some options for altering and wearing men's shirts to create a more feminine look.

Instructions

1. Wear a feminine cardigan unbuttoned over a men's T-shirt or tank, paired with leggings or skinny jeans and feminine footwear. This style works best if the men's shirt is close to your size.

2. Wear a men's long-sleeved shirt unbuttoned over a fitted, feminine tank or T-shirt. This style works with any size men's shirt.

3. Tuck a man's long-sleeved shirt into a pair of high-waisted jeans or a high-waisted skirt.

4. Wear a baggy men's T-shirt or button-down shirt as a mini-dress. Put the shirt on over a pair of leggings, opaque tights or skinny jeans, and cinch the waist with a large belt. This style only works if the shirt falls to your thigh.

Tags: This style, long-sleeved shirt, skinny jeans, style works, This style works, unbuttoned over

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Origins Of Vogue Femme Dance

Although Madonna’s hit song "Vogue" introduced the mainstream media to a dance form that mimicked posing and modeling, the vogue femme dance or vogueing, actually began in the 1960s in Harlem and later incorporated several styles of dance. Among many others, vogueing is mainly inspired by martial arts, modern dance, gymnastics and yoga. Through improvisation, voguing requires dancers to keep track of the beat of the music, while displaying distinct arm and head movements.

History

Originating in Harlem, vogueing began as an artistic outlet for African-American and Latino men dressed in drag at Harlem ballrooms. This style of vogueing, then called Presentation, was performed in elaborate costumes and was inspired by Vegas showgirls. According to "Time" magazine, voguers spread the craze by practicing their steps in downtown discos. However, by the 1980s, vogueing focused more on movement and artistic individuality.

Structure

The bond created through vogueing is often irreplaceable, and voguers who dance together consider themselves family. Voguers refer to dancers that often perform together as a "house." The voguers within each house are affectionately called its "children," who sometimes change their last names to signify their houses. The houses compete in various "balls" to gain recognition among other houses. The balls are important competitions, and each voguer is expected to represent his house by putting on a great performance.

Style

The vogue femme style of vogueing refers to a style in which voguers dance in dramatic and feminine styles. This style of vogueing incorporates runway walking, sashaying and even dips. The vogue femme style is a new generation style and focuses on flamboyancy and individuality. In competitions, this style of vogueing is divided into the soft and dainty category and the "drama queen" category. The soft and dainty performers have a less dramatic style, while the drama queens focus on stunts and harder expressions.

Misconceptions

Since the mainstream media was introduced to vogueing by Madonna’s hit song, many people believe that vogueing is based on simple posing and modeling. Vogueing incorporates gymnastics and acrobatics, as well as rhythm and improvisation. Voguers express themselves through their calculated movements and advanced gymnastics. Since its inception, vogueing has been mimicked in movies and music videos.

Significance

Vogueing inspired many musicians and artists to incorporate vogueing in their work. Jody Watley, an American singer, was one of the first artists to features voguers in her videos "Still a Thrill" and "Friends," which were both released in the late 1980s. Madonna made vogueing popular with her song "Vogue," which featured two professional voguers, Jose and Luis Xtravaganza.

Tags: style vogueing, femme style, Madonna’s song, mainstream media, posing modeling

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Vogue

Vogue is a fast-paced modern dance that embodies flair and dramatic movement. Commonly practiced in clubs, this dance is climbing in popularity. Vogue dancing combines flamboyancy with flair and bravado like that exuded by fashion models. With a few tips you can vogue like a pro.

Instructions

1. Take a deep breath and perform some stretching exercises. Vogueing requires quick jerking movements and is best practiced with a limber body. Make sure you have a large open space to practice in.

2. Start with arm movements. Your arms are usually the most expressive part of your body in this type of dancing. Hold both your arms out to your sides and then quickly jerk one arm inward bending at the elbow. Point your arm toward your face and make a smiling or menacing face. This is a move that shows you are the center of attention. Moves like this are very popular in vogueing clubs and battles.

3. During your routine, stop in a "diva" pose. This means stopping and being completely still in a high fashion pose such as hands on the hips and one foot forward or hands on the lower buttocks while the head is turned to the side.

4. Spin in a circle and then sit on the ground with one leg bent at the knee toward your buttocks. This is a diva move and is used frequently in vogue dance. This move will take practice until your spin looks graceful and controlled.

5. The biggest part of vogue dancing is the strut. Walk as if you are mimicking a fashion model's walk. This walk shows you have the attitude to pull off vogue dance style. Most vogue dancers start off with a dramatic walk.

Tags: This move, toward your, vogue dance

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Fashion Accessories For Men

In the modern world, it is important to look good if you want to get the best out of life. Whether it’s your career or relationships, you cannot progress simply by dint of your talent and personality. It is commonly acknowledged that men were never as fashion conscious as women and adornment was an exclusively feminine area of interest. But times have changed, and well groomed men are everywhere you look. And for adding that oomph to your appearance, fashion accessories can go a long way.

Importance of Fashion Accessories for Men

Fashion accessories can add polish and detail to your formal as well as casual wear. The right accessory can enhance your basic clothing and also have other functional benefits. If you can get the balance of visual-appeal and versatility right while buying an accessory, you can look to gain lots from it. So, what are the essential fashion accessories that men should have?

Belts

A belt should ideally blend in with the rest of your clothes and thus should not be loud and ostentatious. You should also try to own a dress belt as well as a jeans belt. In case you don’t know the difference between the two; a dress belt has a narrow width (3cm or less) along with a small buckle while a jeans belt is broader and has a large buckle. Make sure you buy a black dress belt because it blends in best with formal wear. For the jeans belt, you can buy a reversible one which can give you the option of wearing black as well as brown. Chrome buckles are in and so do not go for a brass one.

Cufflinks and Ties

No formal wear is complete without cufflinks and ties. Although work-wear has mellowed down from strictly formal to business casual, there are some occasions which require detailed formal wear. So, even you are can go to work in tees, it is important that you own formal accessories.

For a tie that can be worn with most of your formal shirts, go for a striped one in navy blue or burgundy. Avoid crazy patterns and loud colors if you don’t want to appear out of place in a formal environment.

Though it is a good idea to match the dominant color of your tie with that of the cufflinks, you can settle for a chrome cufflink that matches most ties. It looks sleek and stylish too! Your cufflinks should be in classic shapes such as oval, circle or square and not any wacky ones.

Bags

Choose a bag that is useful as well as stylish. The messenger bag is perhaps the best bet because it goes well with both formal and casual wear. A plain black or brown messenger bag made of leather is easy to carry and looks good too! A backpack is suitable for traveling but not so much for carrying to work.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of fashion accessories, but can be really helpful if you don’t know where to start stylizing your look. So, start selecting your fashion accessories today!

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Why Some Men Have No Fashion Sense

Show me a guy who is well dressed and I'll show you a man who's girlfriend, or mother buys their clothes. This may not be true for all the guys, but I would bet that it's true most of the time. Most guys do not understand fashion as women do and it obvious.

When you see a guy dressed well, even if there is no influence of women, there's a good chance the sales people have selected their clothes. You really cannot blame the poor guy for two reasons. First, men rarely watch commercials or look at fashion magazines or discuss clothes. Most men hate to shop for things they cannot find in a hardware store or sports shop.

I believe the male genes have at least 2 or 3 genes that protect them from any shopping or fashion interest. Color and style are of little interest unless the discussion is on autos, motorcycles, or barbecue grills. For a majority of men, there are three primary colors, not aspen white or dull gray winter, men just don't see them or recognize the difference.

There can be exceptions if a guy has a lot of cash to burn but that is not based on style. If he wears an Armani suit, the chances are that he's just shopping in a store with more expensive clothes. It's more of a demonstration of success than of fashion sense when a guy goes designer clothes.

When most men do go clothes shopping they head directly to the section of interest and picks 2 or 3 colors of the same design. In and out in 15 minutes if possible. Most guys do not even try on clothes unless they think they may have gained or lost weight recently.

Just check out the men's department in most stores and watch a guy buy a dress suit. If he comes to replace a worn out suit, he will go with the same color and design of the old one. If he wants a new suit, he will look for a different color (any color that is different will do). He then allows the sales person to pick out a matching shirt and tie that go with the new outfit.

This is a guy who will go to a store of sporting goods and spend two hours looking for a new fishing reel or a pair of binoculars. Look at lawnmowers for weeks and go in several different stores to check each one out. When it comes to clothing, it is inside and out in 15 minutes flat.

You can even see the difference in selections in most departments for men. They may have five or eight different types of trousers, shirts and sports coats, whatever. Glance at the section for Women and you will see acres of different styles, colors and outfits to fit any occasion. That's because retailers understand the difference between men and women shoppers.

In fact most men do not even think Moving into new clothes unless his wife, girlfriend, mother also told him. The guys were their clothes until they fall or are completely worn out. A good example of the problem is shoes. Just look at the shoes many guys still wear way after they should be replaced and you'll see what I mean.

Speaking of shoes, how many shoes are in most guys' closet? Probably a pair of dress shoes, maybe two or three pairs of sneakers or the equivalent, and perhaps some sporting or climbing boots. Look in the closet of most women and you'll see rows and rows of shoes, all styles and colors. An average guy could have up to 10 pairs in total; most women will have five times that amount.

As I mentioned, it is in the men's genes. So women, do not blame your husband, boyfriend, or son for his lack of fashion sense. It's not his fault. If you want him to dress better, you need to realize that you better go with him next time he goes shopping. And you may have to suggest it too.

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Clean A Stetson Hat

Clean a Stetson Hat

The term "Stetson" technically refers to a brand of hat made in St. Joseph, Missouri at the John B. Stetson hat factory. The Stetson Company is credited with creating what is more commonly known as the cowboy hat. The Stetson cowboy hat is made from either straw or beaver fur felt and bears a distinctive design featuring a broad, curved brim and a tall crown. Modern usage of the word Stetson frequently refers to any hat bearing a resemblance to this trademark of the American West. Stetson's have high quality and subsequently can be quite pricey, however, with proper care and cleaning they can last a lifetime.

Instructions

1. Remove superficial dirt and debris from a felt Stetson by sweeping it away with a soft brush. Begin on the left hand side of the hat. Place the brush against the felt and rub gently, moving the brush in small, counterclockwise circles. Sweep the loose debris toward the back of the hat and then repeat the procedure with the right hand side.

2. Clean the mud and muck from a straw hat by wiping it away with a soft, damp cloth. Once the hat has been washed, roll down the self-shaping leather sweatband and position the hat so it is standing on the extended band. Leave the damp hat in a warm, dry location and allow it to dry naturally; placing the hat on its crown or on its brim while wet could result in a distortion in the overall shape.

3. Eliminate greasy stains or oil from a light colored Stetson by sprinkling a bit of cornstarch or talcum powder over the affected area. Allow the powder to sit for several hours to absorb the oil and then brush it away with a stiff bristled brush. If any greasy residue remains, repeat the treatment.

4. Treat difficult or persistent stains with a mild detergent solution or Woolite. Test the solution in an inconspicuous area, such as near the headband, prior to applying it in a more visible location. If the solution does not cause any discoloration, dab it on the soiled area with a cotton ball. Rub gently to remove the stain and allow the hat to air dry. Alternatively, you could wipe the affected area with a baby wipe.

Tags: away with, affected area, area with, away with soft, Clean Stetson

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Invert A Belt Sander

Belt sanders can be used as stationary sanders. They make it easy to hand-sand objects when you need to use both hands when sanding thin strips of molding, small parts for toys or even composite things like gems and wood buttons. They work exactly the same as big floor-standing belt sanders, except they are mounted to your worktable. You can install and remove an inverted belt sander in minutes and store it under the table or leave it mounted for easy access

Instructions

1. Turn the sander upside down on a worktable as near the edge as possible.

2. Open the jaws of a hand clamp and hook one jaw underneath the edge of the table with the wood handle of the clamp pointing down. Place the other jaw inside the handle where you would normally place your hand. Tighten the clamp slightly.

3. Open another clamp, and place one jaw underneath the edge of the table. Place the other jaw on the inside of the protruding knob on the belt sander. Tighten the clamp slightly.

4. Tighten both clamps at the same time until the sander is solid and locked down to the table. If the sander tips in one direction, tighten the opposite clamp so that the sander stays flat on the table.

5. Plug in the sander. Push the trigger and trigger lock to use the sander.

Tags: clamp slightly, edge table, other inside, Place other, Place other inside

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Men's Fashion Watches

What would success count for if you could not flash it around every now and then? There are certain things that most people buy to signify a positive change in their lives, especially if it is professional. Men mostly opt for premier watches. Women can choose from a wider variety of embellishments, such as jewelry and so different types of clothes. When it comes to men, the options available seem woefully limited. The only sphere where they can lavish their hard won money seems to be that of tie pins, watches and cufflinks!

Why Watches?

Most men however, opt for watches instead of investing in something as small and indistinguishable as cufflinks it seems. Firstly, watches are a standard fashion statement- and one can opt for something that suits one’s personality and station in life. If he is understated and classy, he will surely choose something similar. On the other hand, if the man is a party animal, and loves indulging his senses- then his watch will indeed be flashy and colorful. Watches are also not simply decorative objects- they fulfill an important function. All of us have had days when we forgot to wear our watch and yet ended up looking at our wrists time and again!

Which Watch to Buy?

Well simply put, you should look for something that reflects your personality. However, when you have reached a certain station in life, branded wear becomes pretty important. A watch’s brand speaks volumes about its own heritage. Moreover, a trusted company will always have quality products- hence most branded watches have impeccable finishes, battery lives and so on. Most people are particular about the shape of watch they wear- it could vary from being oval to round to square or rectangle.

Also, you must be particular about the kind of occasions you will be wearing the watch to. You cannot wear a sports watch, no matter how trendy, to a sophisticated business party or meeting. And wearing an elegant stone studded watch while going for something as relaxed as fishing makes no sense. Therefore choose your watch carefully- otherwise it could end up spoiling your entire look.

If your budget is a constraint then perhaps you could choose something simple so that you could wear it to any occasion you desire. Once this is taken care of, keep in mind the amount of money you are willing to shell out for that watch. This is indeed very important. Keep an eye out for other alternatives if possible, as long as you do not overstep your budget. While the look of the watch is usually the foremost requirement, one should also get a look at its warranty period and durability.

Finally, if you really want your watch to be a symbol of the luxurious life you lead- there could be nothing better than buying a Swiss watch. Their watches are reliable and a sign of tradition.

Things you should Keep an Eye Out For

Apart from cost, look into the practical aspect of the watch. Make sure it is water resistant and durable. The dial and the band should go well with most of your clothes, if you choose unique colors; you won’t be able to wear the watch with most of your wardrobe.

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Wear Cuff Links And Studs

Your cuff links can match your tie, your tuxedo or your personality.

Once a high-fashion men's accessory most-often used for tuxedos, cuff links have evolved into a mainstream style must-have for formal occasions. Many men wear cuff links for business attire. Cuff links and studs allow you to inject your personality into your business wardrobe. Formal occasions that require tuxedos usually call for the use of cuff links and studs. The tuxedo shop provides a bag containing two cuff links and four studs. Insert the cuff links into the holes of the shirt cuffs and the studs into the four stud holes of the shirt.

Instructions

1. Cuff links adorn French cuff shirts.

Practice inserting the cuff links before the day of the event. Before you officially wear cuff links for the first time, give them a trial run. Cuff links feel different than a buttoned shirt sleeve.

2. Coordinate your cuff link style with your suit or tuxedo. Whether you're wearing cuff links with a tuxedo or with a business suit, you should match them to your shirt and tie or bow tie if you're also wearing studs. Men's accessories should match the formality of the event.

3. Ensure you have selected an appropriate shirt style. When picking out a shirt, choose a French cuff shirt or a convertible, which can be worn with buttons or cuff links). Men's cuff links or studs won't work with a traditional button-down dress shirt. If you're not sure, look at the cuffs to determine whether they have buttons or if both sides of the sleeve have a small hole where the cuff link can slip through.

4. Insert the cuff links after the shirt is on. When you're ready to put on your cuff links, put your shirt on. Leave the shirt unbuttoned if you're wearing studs. Button it up if you are skipping the studs.

5. Flip the cuff link swivel bar closed so it's in line with the other two bars. It should not look like a "T."

6. Match up the holes on each shirt cuff by pinching the cuffs together. The shirt cuffs should not be overlapping; the inside of both cuffs should be touching.

7. Slip the stem side of the cuff link through both holes, starting with the front cuff.

8. Flip the swivel bar down to keep the cuff link in place.

9. Repeat on the other shirt sleeve. Ensure the designer side of the cuff link is facing out so it can be seen.

10. Insert the studs, starting with the second button hole from the top. Ignore the little button, the stud will act as the button. Most tuxedo shirts will give you the option of wearing studs or buttoning the shirt.

11. Slip the stud through the back of the stud hole from the inside of the shirt, where the button would be. Feed it through to the front.

12. Use the stud to fasten the shirt, as you normally would with a traditional button.

13. Repeat with the rest of the studs with the exception of the top button. You don't wear a stud at the collar because it will be covered by a bow tie.

Tags: cuff link, cuff links, cuff links, cuff links, links studs

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Tips On Renting A Tuxedo For Prom

Renting a tuxedo for the prom can be scary.

It's prom time, and there's nothing more hair-raising for guys than renting a tuxedo. For many, the prom is their initiation into the world of formal wear, and it can be intimidating and frustrating. There are a myriad of style choices, as well as all the strange accessories that go along with the suit, not to mention the infamous tux shirt, to consider. Armed with a little style advice and the right questions to ask, any young man headed to the prom should be able to get in and out of the tuxedo rental shop in one piece.

Tuxedo Style

Tuxedo styles vary depending on how much money you plan to spend. You usually can get a very basic tuxedo for $50 and designer tuxedos can run as high as $300. Work with the help at the formal wear shop and ask them to guide you through the process. The tuxedo should fit nicely and the trouser length should just graze the shoe.

All the Extras

Typically, a full tuxedo comes with a jacket, trousers, bow tie and cummerbund. It's important to make sure all of those things actually are included in your rental fee because not everyone follows this rule. Some shops may throw in a shirt and vest, while others may include only the basic tux. If you're not interested in any additional shopping, most shops will rent anything else you might need, like a shirt, shoes and cufflinks.

Bargains and Deals

Keep your eyes peeled for special deals and discounts on tuxedos. Prom season is a competitive time for formal wear rentals shops and they often want to get a jump on the business. Start looking for deals and coupons three months before prom season. If you know what you want, you may save a good percentage by renting your tuxedo on the early side.

Tags: formal wear

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