When allotment a cape rental store, ask the afterward questions: Do they accumulate accouterment in banal or how bound can they access backup pieces? How bound can alterations be made? When will accoutrements charge to be returned? How abundant of a drop will be needed?
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Grooms - Choose Your Wedding Attire
When allotment a cape rental store, ask the afterward questions: Do they accumulate accouterment in banal or how bound can they access backup pieces? How bound can alterations be made? When will accoutrements charge to be returned? How abundant of a drop will be needed?
Vintage Clothes Of The 1930s
The fedora has been popular for a long time.
The 1930s were a period of high style. Coming off the flapper fashions of the Roaring '20s, the '30s were characterized both by a simple elegance and a thrifty necessity. Partly because of the Great Depression, most materials were more affordable and many of the decade's styles were more accessible. Still, the 1930s also represented high fashion and bold expression.
Swimsuits
Women's swimsuits of the 1930s are reminiscent of the one-piece bathing suit of today. The swimsuits were either strapless or circled the torso just under the armpits, or had a small plunging neckline with thin shoulder straps. The bottoms of the suits either conformed to just above the thigh, creating a straight horizontal edge to the bottom of the suit, or formed a short skirt that puffed out from the waist. Men's swimsuits were geared toward the athletic, being tighter and having a higher waist for better mobility.
Hats
Women's hats of the 1930s included bonnets with both long and short brims. The material of the long brims was light and malleable, though the shorter brims were less flexible. Other women's hats included modified safari hats, with the brim on one side fastened upward against the hat, and wide-brimmed straw hats. Men's hats included the classic fedora, typically constructed from felt, and short-brimmed porkpie hats. Newsboy caps, in which the front of the cap is connected to the front edge of the brim, were also popular.
Evening Wear
Women's evening gowns were long, often reaching past the feet, with a moderate trail following it. The gowns also had a small neckline plunge and a deeper plunge in the back of the dress, which is often referred to as backless. The material used for the gowns was usually satin or a sheer material. Men wore classic tuxedos, with a waistcoat jacket. Also, the 1930s introduced the white dinner jacket and tuxedo pants combination. A black bow tie was worn with either jacket.
Tags: hats included, swimsuits were, were more
Size Leather Vests
A leather vest can make a bold fashion statement and provide you with added protection around your midsection, back and chest. A vest is a garment worn over a shirt that generally lacks sleeves and has buttons down the front. Finding the right size vest can sometimes seem tricky because of the irregular shape of the garment, but finding the right leather vest fit can sometimes be easier than finding the right shirt fit.
Instructions
1. Wear an undershirt to get the best measurement. In most cases, vests should go over another shirt, so for the most natural and comfortable fit, choose a shirt you could see yourself wearing underneath your leather vest.
2. Relax your arms at your sides, and ask a friend or tailor to measure your chest. For men, measure straight across your chest so that the tailor's tape goes right beneath your armpits. For women, measure your chest at the largest part of your bust.
3. Measure your stomach. Keep your arms relaxed at your sides, and ask your friend or the tailor to wrap the tailor's tape around your midsection. Measure the thickest part of your midsection for the most accurate fit.
4. Stretch the tailor's tape from your waist to the highest part of your relaxed shoulder, which will tell you how long you need to make your vest. Otherwise your vest may be too short or too long to suit you.
Tags: leather vest, part your, tailor tape, your chest, your midsection, around your
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Wear Military Ribbons
Appropriately wearing your ribbons not only sets a good example for junior personnel, it keeps you from being a walking example of "what not to do." Follow these guidelines to properly wear your military ribbons.
Instructions
1. Examine your military ribbons. Look for stains, extensive wear, fraying or tattered ribbons. Replace any military ribbon that has lost its serviceability. Replace the remainder of your military ribbons if the new ribbons make it obvious that your other ribbons are old.
2. Get a ribbon backer from the PX/NEX. Ribbon backers make your ribbons look mounted and provides a sharp look to your uniform. Check the pins in the back of your ribbon rack to make sure that they push through the uniform and the ribbon backer.
3. Arrange your military ribbons in proper order. Review your uniform regulation guidelines for your specific uniform for details. Most military uniform shops have displays showing proper ribbon wear order. Many PX/NEX uniform shops arrange ribbon and medal racks according to ribbon wear seniority.
4. Measure your military ribbons with a ruler to place them in proper position on the uniform. Review your specific uniform regulations for the proper centering and distance measurements. Keep measuring until your ribbon rack is in proper alignment and the required distance from your pocket. By the time you place your ribbons on your uniform, you should be in compliance to your uniform regulations.
Tags: military ribbons, your military, your military ribbons, your uniform, your ribbons, Review your
Start A Scrub Suit Business Online
Most medical professionals wear scrub suits.
Scrub suits, or jut plain "scrubs," are worn by medical professionals including physicians, nurses, physical therapists and medical office workers. Since scrubs are required attire at clinics and hospitals, those who sell them can make handsome profits--there is always a need for medical professionals in any community, and therefore, a demand for scrubs. Starting a scrub suit business can be done online, instead of in a traditional retail setting.
Instructions
1. Decide what type of scrubs you want to sell--discount scrubs, scrubs with licensed characters or sports logos, scrubs for the big and tall, or custom scrubs made with designer fabrics.
2. Determine whether you will make the scrubs yourself or order them wholesale. If you are a talented seamstress and are capable of making quality, lined scrubs you will save money as opposed to purchasing them wholesale.
However, most scrub suit businesses buy wholesale because they are not capable of making enough scrubs to fill demand. Another option is to buy wholesale scrubs, but also offer customers the option of ordering custom, handmade scrub suits.
3. Name your scrub suit business and obtain a DBA (assumed name certificate) from your county, EIN (employer identification number) from the IRS and a resale permit or tax identification number from your state, if you are required to collect sales tax on the scrubs you sell in-state.
4. Find a place to store your inventory. Since scrubs are mostly made of cotton, you will need a storage area that is free from sunlight, odors that can be absorbed, and pets. If you don't have a suitable space in your home, rent a storage unit from a company such as U-Haul or Public Storage.
5. Pick an e-commerce platform to sell your scrubs on, such as Big Commerce, Core Commerce, or Yahoo! Stores. If you hand make at least some of your scrubs, you can sell them on an artisan marketplace, such as 1000 Markets or Etsy.
6. Buy a domain name from a registrar such as Go Daddy or Net Solutions. This will cost you approximately $10 per month. Your domain registrar will give you instructions for linking your domain with your e-commerce platform.
7. Purchase wholesale scrub suits, if you prefer, from a supplier such as Fashion Scrubs, Trend Uniforms, or Scrub n Prints. You will be required to meet a minimum order amount, typically between $250 and $500.
8. Buy shipping boxes, tags for the scrub suits, and bags, or boxes to package the scrubs in from a supplier such as ULine or Nashville Wraps.
9. Promote your scrub suit business by placing coupons and fliers in hospital and clinic gift shops (with permission), advertising in local college and university newspapers (make sure they have a pre-medical or graduate medical program first), launching a promotional blog, or offering a discount to customers who purchase more than one scrub suit at a time (for example, buy 3 scrub suits, get 10 percent off).
Tags: scrub suit, scrub suits, medical professionals, scrub suit business, capable making, e-commerce platform, from supplier
Monday, July 29, 2013
Ideas For Creative Charity Events
Other organizations or sponsors can help with the charity event.
Generate more interest and support for charity by hosting an imaginative and exciting event. Think outside of the box to create clever concepts and varied methods to draw people in. Promote the event to publicize it, as well as to allow enough time for people to respond with their availability. Providing food and drinks for guests helps them feel comfortable and ready to finance the cause. Supporters may also like to know whether a percentage of the proceeds or all of it will be donated to the charity. Include such details in the invitation and general publicity.
Pet-A-Puppy Event
Give people the opportunity to pet and snuggle puppies for charity. Contact a Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) or Humane Society and make arrangements to borrow some puppies for the event. Organize the pricing, timing and other details. Participants can pay a pre-set amount to pet the puppy for a certain period of time. For example: Each person will pet a puppy by paying $5 for 5 minutes or $10 for 10 minutes. Provide a sign-up sheet to keep track of each puppy being petted, each person petting a puppy, the amount of time reserved and the amount paid for each puppy petting. Provide wipes, towels and sanitizers to keep things clean. Ensure that each individual signs a liability form before handling a puppy. The form should release the organization from any liability resulting from the acts of the animals at the event.
Pretty-Seat Event
Encourage people to donate pretty chairs and urge creativity by accepting all types -- such as antique, dining or designer. Individuals can decorate with custom designs, carvings or paint. Those making their own can follow advice from YoungHouseLove.com, which says to apply oil-based primer to the chair in preparation for painting. Another one of their tips is to, "Use a fresh roller or paint brush to apply two thin and even coats of latex paint." Or, donors can simply purchase a pretty chair to give away. Collect chairs, then auction them at the event by setting a minimal price per chair -- such as $45 -- to start the bidding.
Ugly-Tie Event
Promote an "Ugly Tie Affair" where attendees wear ugly neckties and compete with one another in a contest. Individuals place bids for those ties by simply making a donation. A minimal bid can be set and each tie receive multiple bids to raise as much money as possible. The person with the most bids wins a prize. Also, consider offering giveaways, like a promotional t-shirt, for each successful bidder. Sponsors or vendors can donate the prizes.
Clothing Auction
Choose a descriptive name for the occasion, like "Best-Dressed" or "Dress to Impress." Attendees donate new articles of clothing, purchased or otherwise. Some donors may have brand-new clothes in a closet, with the tags still on. Each piece of clothing is auctioned in a live auction. An alternative to that is to display all clothing on a dress-form or mannequin and hold a silent auction.
Tags: each puppy
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Opt for a Groom Tuxedo for the Big Day
Friday, July 26, 2013
Famous Gangster Hats
Famous Gangster Hats
The gangster hat is a fashion statement that identifies the wearer as being bold, cool, fashionable, sophisticated and perhaps a little mysterious and dangerous. Although this style of hat was the sign of corrupt men in the past, today it signifies finesse in a classical item of men's wear that has turned trendy. It used to be that only men wore fedora and trilby hats. However, today it's a fashion statement for both sexes.
The Hats of Gangsters
Today, everyone in the hip-hop world wants to be "gangsta" in their modern-day clothes and hats. However, gangster hats are nothing new. This particular style of hat for men, also called the "Godfather" hat, was worn during the 1930s. Though this style of hat is associated with well-known mobsters such as Carlo Gambino and Al Capone, the fedora and homberg gangster hats of yesterday were still very stylish and popular in 2009.
The Distinguishing Factors
The gangster hats of today come in a wide variety of colors, though the typical colors worn in times past were black, brown and gray. Some of these hats sported a fashionable feather attached to one side. Others had a wide silk band going around the base of the hat. These hats had wide brims that could be turned down, and the trademark dent or crease at the top that was defining. The hat characterized the appearance of a man's suit and gave distinguishing appeal to the man who wore it.
Types of Gangster Hats
The gangster hat is nothing more than a soft felt fedora or a homburg. It can have a wide brim as in the days of Al Capone, or it can have a smaller brim, like Frank Sinatra's stylish fedora. A gangster hat can be in the fashion of a porkpie hat, which jazz musicians wear. It can also be a trilby hat like those by Michael Jackson in his music videos. All in all, the way a man wears his hat not only makes him look good, but it also gives him character and a defining presence.
The Gangster Image
When it comes to having a vintage gangster look to go along with the hat, clothing also plays a big part. Back in the day, the gangster hat was not worn with baggy pants and tennis shoes. You had to be decked out in a business suit or one that was tailor-made exclusively. Adding a long trench coat and tilting the hat to one side also gives the impression that you aren't to be messed with, especially if you walk into a room resembling the likes of Al Pacino in "Scarface" or "The Godfather."
Setting the Standards of Fashion
The gangster hat is an item that completes a man's wardrobe, especially when he wants to step out in fashion and with a sence of style. You do not wear the gangster hat today to symbolize that you are in some kind of organized crime outfit. Today, prominent people, both men and women, complement their outfits with this standout style of the past. You see this look on movie stars, dancers and singers when they are on stage or walking on the red carpet --icons and heroes setting the standard for fashion.
Tags: gangster hats, also gives, Famous Gangster, Famous Gangster Hats, fashion statement, gangster fashion, Gangster Hats
Measure A Waist
Don't measure your waist over clothes.
Knowing your exact waist measurement can be very helpful in determining your clothing size, and it is a good indicator of your general health. You can find out your waist measurement in just four simple steps.
Instructions
1. Find your natural waist. An easy way to do this is to stand in front of the mirror and bend at your side. The crease that forms indicates your natural waistline, directly above the belly button and below the ribcage.
2. Stand up straight and relax your abdominal muscles. Wrap the measuring tape completely around your waist starting at the belly button. Begin at the spot on the tape where the measure reads "0." Make sure the tape is level around your waistline--not too loose, not too tight.
3. Do not place the measuring tape over clothes. You'll get the most accurate results on bare skin. However, make sure the tape is not squeezing into your skin. The number that meets the "0" after you have circled your entire waist is your waist measurement.
4. Remove the tape and jot down your measurement for future reference. A healthy waistline for a woman is between 32 and 23 inches. For a man, it's between 45 and 32 inches.
Tags: your waist, waist measurement, around your, belly button, between inches, measuring tape, over clothes
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Dress Like Stephen Colbert
Dress Like Stephen Colbert
The character of Stephen Colbert, created by the real Stephen Colbert, has become a cultural icon. The satirical political nature of "The Colbert Report" has made it one of the most popular shows on Comedy Central and made Stephen Colbert an American hero. Colbert's fashion is one thing that epitomizes his character, so here are some tips to help you dress like Stephen Colbert.
Instructions
1. Get a good suit. Colbert wears classy, conservative suits from companies like Brooks Brothers. A simple black, blue or brown suit should suit you just fine. Be sure it is a good fit. Add in the occasional pinstripe suit if you want; just make sure any suit you wear is crisply pressed.
2. Use American-colored shirts and ties. A crisp, white shirt is absolutely the way to go. As for the tie, go for a simple blue or red one. Colbert sometimes strays from this, but usually you will find him looking quite patriotic. A navy blue suit with a white shirt and a red tie with white dots is a great place to start.
3. Wear a pair of Colbert's wire glasses. The rimless glasses have become a staple of the Stephen Colbert character and are often used as a prop on "The Colbert Report." If you already wear glasses, you just need get a pair similar to Colbert's. If you don't wear glasses, fret not. Just find yourself a pair of prop glasses, which will look as good as real glasses at a fraction of the cost of prescription lenses.
4. Strap on a WristStrong bracelet. The ultimate accessory to set off your Stephen Colbert attire is a Colbert-sponsored red WristStrong bracelet. The bracelet symbolizes your support to the awareness of the severity of wrist injury. You can purchase a WristStrong bracelet from the ComedyCentral.com shop, and the proceeds do go to an actual good cause-the Yellow Ribbon Fund that supports injured military service members.
Tags: Stephen Colbert, WristStrong bracelet, Colbert character, Colbert Report, Dress Like, Dress Like Stephen, Like Stephen
Uses For Compression Shirts
Uses for Compression Shirts
If you shop at a sports store or read sport and fitness magazines, chances are you've seen or read about compression shirts. A compression shirt is a form-fitting garment usually made of polypropylene or lycra and neoprene. Polypropylene is smooth and light and lycra is a stretchy material that makes a compression shirt tight but comfortable to wear at the same time. Although prevalent with athletes, there are many other uses for compression shirts.
Athletic Performance
Compression shirts can reduce muscle fatigue and enhance performance.
The best known use for a compression shirt involves sports and athletics. A compression shirt is worn to accommodate or enhance an athlete's performance because it can protect the muscles from injury, maintain body temperature and wick moisture away from the body. The light, breathable material allows air to circulate through the shirt so water and sweat evaporate quickly. The material is also strong enough to hold muscles in place for optimal protection.
Medical Purposes
Lymphedema is a condition that can affect a person's arms. It's caused by a blockage in the lymphatic system that prevents lymph fluid from draining. This leads to extreme and painful swelling as the fluid builds up. The only option is to control the problem. A compression shirt encourages the flow of the lymph fluid out of the affected limb and can prevent future swelling. Pregnancy is another condition where a compression shirt is useful. The tight material gently pulls at the back, which fixes posture and distributes the weight of the belly evenly between the shoulder blades.
Surgical Recovery
Gynecomastia is a condition that results in the excessive development of breast tissue in males and is seen in 40 percent of adolescent boys. Minor surgery can remove the excess tissue and a compression shirt is worn for up to two weeks afterward to reduce swelling and bruising and to aid in the recovery process. After liposuction surgery, it helps the abdomen adjust its size and improve form as a person recovers because it improves blood circulation.
Discretion
Gastric bypass surgery and Lap Band surgery are procedures that can cause an obese person to lose extreme amounts of weight. The weight is usually lost quickly and results in loose, excess skin that hangs from the stomach. A compression shirt hides the excess skin and keeps it from folding over the waistband of shorts and pants. It can help a woman fit into her regular clothes faster after giving birth by pushing in the lower abdomen and smoothing out side bulges. Compression shirts can also be worn to camouflage the chest deformity of gynecomastia and stabilize bouncing tissue if a man chooses not to undergo surgery.
Tags: compression shirt, compression shirt worn, compression shirts, condition that, excess skin
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
How to choose your wedding outfits
Sewing Projects Using Men'S Ties
Men's ties to use for sewing projects.
The colorfully decorative patterns in men's ties add style to a variety of sewing projects. Whether you make a memorial quilt with inherited ties or weave a few together to make a pillow, the rich fabrics coordinate based on texture and shape, if not color.
Pillow
Weave several men's ties together to make a square of fabric for a decorative pillow. Lay the ties side by side horizontally in a row to create the desired width and length of the pillow. The sides of the ties should be touching. Beginning at one end, weave a new tie vertically over and under the existing row. Weave ties side by side to create a horizontal row of vertical ties. When the square is complete, pin and stitch the perimeter to hold the woven ties in place. Back the tie square with another woven tie square, sew the squares together and stuff them to make a pillow.
Bag/Purse
Men's tie bags are creative sewing projects that you can make to carry books or to use as a purse. Stitch similar ties together along the edges to make a section of fabric for the bag. Sew two ties together along the edges to make the gusset and the strap for the bag. Line each of the tie sections with fabric to create a liner for inside the bag. Sew each open edge of the gusset strip to the front and back panel of the bag. Attach a button or snap enclosure to finish the bag.
Quilts
Create a memorial quilt with inherited neckties to honor a special person in your life. There are many ways to incorporate men's ties into a quilt pattern. You can cut them into patches as part of a crazy quilt design. Sew them side by side or weave them together to make quilt squares. Stitch each tie across several quilting patches to form a circular pattern in the center of a quilt.
Wreath
Use the fat ends of men's ties to cover a wire wreath frame and make a patchwork wreath for your home décor. Cut the ties to fit around the frame and sew them in place on the back side of the wreath. Surround the wreath frame with the tie ends. Glue or sew the edges together to hold the ties in place.
Chair Cushions
Another sewing project you can make with men's ties that's similar to making a pillow is a chair cushion. For this project, you only need to weave one tie square, and then sew the finished panel to another section of fabric, leaving one open edge. Insert upholstery foam between the two panels, then sew the back seam together or use interlocking strips as a closure.
Tags: sewing projects, side side, ties together, together make, along edges, along edges make
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Types Of Fedora Hats
The main features of a fedora hat are the distinctive front pinch and the wide, loose rim. Fedoras became known as gangster hats and were prominent during the 1930s and 1940s. Recently, the Fedora and another similar hat style, known as the trilby, have made a comeback in fashion among the younger generation.
Wool Fedoras
The classic wool Fedora, which comes in a variety of solid colors, but is most popular in black, brown and grey is a great accompaniment to a suit or long winter coat.
Straw Fedoras
The straw fedora hat is a common look for travelers in Central and South America. Although they can come in any color, straw fedoras are mostly found in the natural color of the straw.
Canvas Fedora
The canvas fedora is both durable and classic looking and can come in solid colors as well as plaid and pinstripe.
Tweed Twill Fedora
The tweed twill fedora is similar to herringbone and provides a greater texture to the hat than most other Fedora styles. It typically comes in tones of blacks, grays, browns and whites.
Trilby Hat
The Trilby Hat is similar to the fedora because of its soft, deep creasing texture. The difference is that the brim on the Trilby is much shorter than that of the Fedora. You can find Trilby hats in straw, canvas, wool and wool tweed.
Tags: color straw, solid colors
Make Relaxed Fit Pants Into Slim Fit
Give your wardrobe a new look with a pair of slim fit pants.
Modify clothes you already have as a handy way to save money and be kind to our planet. Alter a pair of relaxed fit pants to make slim fit pants to give your wardrobe a new look. Use some simple new seams to change the look and fit of your pants in less than thirty minutes. Pair slim fit pants with a loose, flowing top for a completely updated look.
Instructions
1. Stand in front of the mirror and experiment with how much fabric you want to take in on the legs of the pants to give them a slimmer legged appearance. Take off the pants, turn them inside out and put them back on. Pin the pants along the inside seam (inseam). Place the pins running vertically (parallel to the seam). Use the measuring pins to ensure you are pinning the fabric consistently on each leg. Survey the pants in the mirror again to make sure this is the amount of material that you want to take in. Take off the pants.
2. Sew along the pinned inseam with the pants still inside out. Go all the way from the hem to the crotch on both legs, with the seams meeting at the crotch. Remove the pins and trim away the excess fabric leaving only .25-inches of fabric outside of the seam.
3. Iron the pants, turn them right-side out and put them on again. If the pants are still not as slim as you desire, repeat the process, taking off a bit more fabric this time.
Tags: slim pants, your wardrobe look, pants along, pants give, pants still
Sew A Cumberbund
Wrapping the waist with a broad sash is part of traditional male dressing in India, Iran and parts of South America. The "kammerband" in India has come to be called the "cummerbund" in the West, and is worn instead of a belt and vest for formal occasions. The cummerbund is usually black and matches the bow tie, although more festive fabrics may be used for occasions like holiday parties.
Instructions
1. Choose a grosgrain fabric in black or a suitable festive print. Purchase a length of fabric that is sufficient to wrap around the waist plus 3 inches.
2. Cut a length of fabric per the measurement in Step 1. Cut the fabric two-and-a-half times as wide as the desired width of the finished cummerbund.
3. Iron the fabric on the wrong side. Fold under 1/2 inch and stitch in place along lower long edge. Starting at the bottom edge, fold one inch of fabric under, wrong sides together, then fold back 1/2 inch for the bottom pleat. Press well keeping the pleat straight and even.
4. Press well, keeping the pleat straight and even. Topstitch the first pleat in place. Continue folding the fabric under and then back on itself and stitching the resulting pleat in place.
5. Continue pleating until the cummerbund is about 9 inches wide. Make the cummerbund wider for a taller or long-waisted man. Turn under 1/2 inch along the top edge and stitch into place.
6. Sew four boning casings, two at either side of the waist, into the sides of the cummerbund, using the seam tape. Trim the boning and slid it into the casings.
7. Finish the short ends of the cummerbund by trimming them with matching grosgrain ribbon. Sew a hook-and-eye closure every 1/2 inch along the ribbon trim. Add a second row of hooks parallel to the first to adjust the fit of the cummerbund.
Tags: fabric under, inch along, keeping pleat, keeping pleat straight, length fabric, place Continue, pleat place
Monday, July 22, 2013
Which Exercises Improve Posture & Make You Taller
As many people today spend their days sitting hunched over in front of computer screens, it is only natural that their posture often takes a turn for the worse. Poor posture can lead to a variety of unwanted symptoms, such as muscle twinges, increased propensity for injury, and physical symptoms like headaches. Some posture exercises can also result in an increase in height.
Posture and Height
Attaining (or regaining) a level of good posture can naturally help you improve your height. Most posture deformities involve kyphosis, which is an unnatural hunching of the spine, coupled with a jutting "head-forward" position. Restoring your spine to its natural length and alignment will literally allow you to stand taller.
Pelvic Shift
Kyphosis can be caused by overly tight hip flexors coupled with inhibited glutes, so reversing that condition can help you regain your natural height. One simple exercise to do this is called the pelvic shift. Lying on your back with your knees bent to a 90 degree angle with your arms at your sides, thrust your pelvis upwards until your body makes a straight line from head to knees. You should feel a strong contraction in your butt muscles. Repeat this for a total of 15 to 20 repetitions.
Importance of Stretching
Adopting a regular and general regime of stretching is crucial to your continued improvement. You should aim to increase your maximal range of motion while stretching, using several sets of progressively intense exercises. Aim to stretch at least three times a week for 15 minutes per session, going through a series of basic stretching positions. Find a link in the Resource section to get started.
Sample Exercises
An exercise that can help keep your spine in its natural alignment is called the pelvic tilt. While standing with your hands on your hips, rotate your pelvis forward until you feel a contraction in your glutes and a stretching in your hip flexors (the muscles at the top of each leg directly in front of your hips). Hold this hip-forward position for 10 to 20 seconds, also repeating throughout the day to keep you conscious of your body alignment.
Performing the chin glide can help to curb a tendency to unnaturally jut your neck out forward, improving your height by restoring your head to its rightful position--directly atop your neck. Gently tuck your chin inward and "push" your head back between your trapezius muscles (the muscles connecting your shoulders to your neck.) Hold this position for five to 10seconds, repeating it at various intervals throughout the day to reinforce positive neck alignment.
Another exercise to stretch out your spine is called the Dry Land Swim. Lie face down on the floor with your arms and legs fully outstretched. Raise both your left arm and your right leg off the floor simultaneously, holding them both about six inches in the air. Slowly lower and alternate sides. Repeat for a total of five to 10 holds on both sides, gradually working your way up to 20 second holds.
The Other 22 Hours
To permanently improve your posture you will need to make a conscious effort to hold your body in proper alignment even when you are not "officially" working out. At a very basic level, this means sitting at your computer with your back straight and chin tucked and walking without slouching at all times. Posture improvements can only be solidified with chronic attention to small details like these.
Tags: with your, your body, your neck, your spine, called pelvic, contraction your
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Formal Wedding Attire for Men
Friday, July 19, 2013
Unique Ways To Display Hats
Whether you collect vintage hats, cowboy hats, or baseball caps, you need a way to store, care for and display your hats. Moreover, you may want a display that is a bit more unusual than a basic hat rack. If you sell hats, your displays are even more important and may need to stand out from the crowd. With a bit of forethought you can find interesting ways to display hats at home, in stores, or at a craft show.
Hat Rack Alternatives
While an attractive hat rack or hall tree will display and store your hats, you may not be able to see them to their best advantage and delicate hats may suffer from this sort of display. One easy option for hat display and storage is open shelving. Hats of any sort can be stuffed with tissue paper for support and placed on shelves. Consider grouping your hats together by color, style or team. You can also create pedestals for your hats. Drill a hole in simple wood bases from the craft store and mount a dowel into that hole. Place a painted or covered styrofoam ball on the other end of the dowel. Several of these in different sizes can help maintain the shape of your hats and display them nicely. Create a primitive-style hat display by bending wire clothes hangers into curves or rounds and slipping the ends through drilled holes in a board.
Creative Displays
If you are looking for more playful or whimsical hat display ideas, visit your local craft store. Artificial fruit, ranging from apples and oranges for baby hats to gourds and pumpkins for adult hats can hold and display hats. This is especially ideal for knit or stretchy hats. Group smaller pieces of fruit in a large basket. If you prefer to scatter your collection, consider placing hats atop antique bottles or canning jars, large vintage spools, or even a pair of vintage cowboy boots. Integrate your hats into other collections by adding baseball caps to sporting memorabilia or cowboy hats to Western style items. Any fairly solid and reasonably tall item can display your hat collection.
Use Your Hats
You can use your hats in your home decor, giving them new purpose. Hang a hat by a large ribbon on a door or window in place of a wreath. Use a beautiful vintage hat as a centerpiece or table decoration. A spring hat can work well with millinery-style birds, especially if flanked by vases of spring flowers. Tip a sturdy hat upside down and fill it with lightweight seasonal decorations, like glass balls or Easter eggs. You can even use a festive hat as a Christmas tree topper. Try a cowboy hat with an embellished band for a Western style tree or a floral hat from the 1950s for a shabby chic look.
Tags: your hats, baseball caps, cowboy hats, craft store, display hats, display your
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Calculate Pant Size
Armed with your measurements, you can buy a great fitting pair of pants regardless of the size on the label.
Calculate pants sizes by knowing your body measurements. Body measurements will yield accurate size results regardless of the size assigned to a pair of pants by a brand or store. Keep your measurements in your wallet along with a tape measure when you go shopping and you'll be armed with the necessary calculations to score a great fitting pair of pants.
Instructions
Waist and Hips Measurements
1. Wrap a tape measure around your waist at the narrowest point, under your ribcage, but above your pelvis. Assume a natural position. According to Clearwater Knits, "At the point where the tape overlaps, pinch with your fingers to record the exact spot." This is your waist measurement.
2. Determine your hip measurement by wrapping the tape measure around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks. According to Transprism Shop, "When you wrap the measuring tape make sure it is not too tight or too loose. There should be no gap between the tape and body, but the tape should not sink into the skin at all."
3. Keep your measurements in your wallet.
Write these measurements on paper.
Pants Length and Inseam Measurements
4. Measure for pants length in two ways: waist-to-floor and inseam. According to Clearwater Knits, "Wear the shoes and undergarments you will be wearing with the finished garment. Heels affect fit and drape, especially for skirts and pants."
5. Hold the tape measure at your waist, dropping the tape to the floor. Have another person note where the tape hits the top of your foot. This is the overall length of the pants needed.
6. Jeans are often sized by waist measurement and inseam measurement.
Find your inseam measurement, or the length of the pants leg required, by placing the end of the tape measure against your inner thigh where your groin meets your leg. Measure down your inner leg to your ankle. This is easier if another person assists. Men's jeans are sized by waist measurement and inseam; size 36x34 means a man has a 36-inch waist and a 34-inch inseam measurement.
Crotch Depth and Length Measurements
7. Sit on a hard chair while holding the tape measure in your hand. Measure along your side from your waist, stopping at the chair. This is your crotch depth or rise. Many pants indicate rise measurements to let you know where they'll rest on your body.
8. Determine your crotch length. According to New Mexico State University, "Measure from center front waist through crotch to center back waist. Mark the measurement from the front waist to the center of your body and the measurement from back waist to the center of your body."
9. Crotch depth and length let you know where the pants will rest on your body.
Write these measurements on paper.
Tags: tape measure, your body, your waist, inseam measurement, pair pants, waist measurement
Leprechaun Costume Ideas
St Patrick's Day
Leprechaun costumes are ideal for families, groups or individuals. They can be worn at St. Patrick's day occasions, for regular costume parties and even for Halloween. There are many variations of leprechaun costumes, so once you have the basic pieces, you can use your imagination to make the costume unique.
Basic Costume
To make your leprechaun costume, begin with a basic green outfit. Men would wear a green suit, a green tuxedo, knickers and a vest or any combination of these options. Children can wear green shorts and a vest or jacket. Ladies can wear a green outfit that consists of pants, a skirt or shorts. A white shirt should be worn with these costume options. To find these items, look in your local thrift store. Look at school uniform items, prom items and dancewear pieces as well.
Embellish Your Costume
To turn your basic green outfit into a leprechaun costume, you need to do a bit of sewing or customization. Purchase green shamrock fabric at your local craft store and create lapels for your jacket or vest. If your jacket or vest already has lapels, use newspaper to make a pattern and sew the new lapel on top. If your item does not have an existing lapel, use another jacket to make a pattern and attach the lapel to the front of your outfit. Trim your lapel with gold or green braiding.
Use your shamrock fabric to make a bow tie or cut a 2-inch-wide strip of fabric to tie into a simple bow around the neck.
Add a green top hat or other costume hat and wear white socks and basic dress shoes. If you can find green costume shoes, that is even better.
Variations
Customize the costume to make it your own with any number of additions. Use a black Halloween cauldron and fill it with gold fabric and plastic coins to make a pot of gold. Attach a green cardboard shamrock to a pipe cleaner and add it to the hat. Swap out the green pants or shorts for red or black. Carry a box of Lucky Charms cereal. Add a green or shamrock-patterned scarf to the costume. Guys can wear a red beard. A leprechaun costume for girls and ladies could be a short dress with a belted waist coat and a green hat. A barmaid costume with a green corset and skirt could be used for a sexy female leprechaun costume. Face paint is always a good idea, too.
Tags: green outfit, leprechaun costume, wear green, basic green, basic green outfit
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Choice for Groom Attire
Types Of Winter Hats
Though two scientists at the Indiana University challenged in 2008 the notion that 45 percent of a person's body heat is lost through his head, few would argue that a winter hat does not help keep a person warm on a cold day. There are many types to choose from when selecting a hat for winter weather. Does this Spark an idea?
Beanies
A beanie, or skullie, is a simple hat constructed from material sewn together and then topped with a button or tassel at the crown. Some beanies have a folded lip around the bottom. The hat is typically made of wool or a synthetic knit.
Berets
A beret is a round cap with a soft top that often features a loop on the crown. Unlike a beanie, a beret typically does not cover the ears, and it is usually made of wool or felt.
Flat Caps
A flat cap is a wool hat with a hard bill that extends out front. The top of the hat is completely flat, giving the hat its name.
Newsboy Cap
A newsboy, or an eight-panel, cap is similar to a flat cap, with its wool construction and stiff bill. The top of a "newsy" is fuller and usually features a button at the crown.
Ski Mask
A ski mask is a knitted cap that extends downward to cover the cheeks, chin and nose. In some instances, there are only three small holes in the cap for each eye and the mouth, while others have a window panel open for the eyes.
Tags: made wool, that extends
Dress For A Formal Party
Formal wear ranges from business formal to white-tie.
The dress code for any formal event can include semi-formal, formal, white-tie, black-tie optional and black-tie. The next time you are invited to a formal event or party check the invitation to see if the type of formal wear is specified. But if the invitation does not specify anything other than that the appropriate party attire is formal, there are certain rules you can follow, or you can call the host to ask specifically how formal your attire should be.
Instructions
Formal Wear for Men
1. Dress for a black-tie optional party by wearing either a tuxedo or a dark suit. Pair dark suits with a white dress shirt and a subtle and conservative tie. Always wear black dress shoes and black dress socks.
2. Go black-tie with a black tuxedo paired with a formal white dress shirt and a black bow tie. Pair a black cummerbund or vest with a tuxedo as well as black cuff links, black dress shoes and black dress socks. For a summer event or cruise, you can substitute a black tuxedo jacket for a white one.
3. Dress in a white-tie ensemble by pairing a black tail coat with matching pants that have one satin stripe down the sides, a formal white shirt, white vest, white cuff links, white or gray gloves, a white bow tie and black dress shoes and socks.
4. Dress for a business formal party by pairing a dark suit with a dress shirt, tie and dark color dress shoes and socks.
Formal Wear for Women
5. Wear a floor-length gown, cocktail dress or a dressy little black dress to any black-tie or black-tie optional party. High heels and an evening clutch complete this look. Jewelry is optional, but if you do, keep it simple and classic.
6. Pick out a floor-length formal gown for a white-tie event. Cocktail length dresses are not acceptable at white-tie events.
7. Wear a business formal outfit to a business formal party. You can choose a business suit, or a work appropriate dress. But if you wouldn't wear it to the office you shouldn't wear it to a party. Low and high heels are both acceptable for a business formal event.
Tags: black dress, business formal, dress shoes, black dress shoes, black-tie optional, dress shirt, formal event
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Good Style To Grow Out Hair
If you are sick of your short hair and ready to grow it out, you may feel frustrated by the awkward grow-back stage that plagues girls who are trying to go from short to long. Unfortunately, there are no products that will successfully grow your hair. There are ways to make the process a bit smoother and remain looking stylish while you are growing your hair out.
Start at the Salon
If you are ready to grow your hair out, you may find yourself in a tricky situation: You want to have long hair, but you don't want to spend the next six to 12 months with less than stylish and unattractive hair. Visit a salon, although it may seem counterproductive to get a haircut when you are trying to grow your hair. However, a proper trim can be the best first step toward growing out long locks. A stylist will trim and shape your hair in a way that will allow it to look its best while you are growing it out. It is a good idea to avoid layers when you get this haircut. As you grow your hair out, shorter layers may fall differently as your hair gets longer. Often, this can create an undesirable triangle shape. Be sure to avoid bangs for the same reason.
Avoid Flashy Color Changes
When growing your hair out, it is not the time to experiment with flashy color changes, like highlights or lowlights. Instead, keep a neutral all-over color: This will downplay any awkward layers or undesirable lengths by creating the illusion of evenness and consistency. If you already have flashy highlights or unique color in your hair, try a single process all-over color. Stay away from extreme colors like jet black or white blond: These radical hues can have the same undesirable effect of drawing attention to awkward layers and lengths.
Don't Go Overboard on Product
When growing your hair out, you may be tempted to use more hair product in a misguided attempt at concealing layers and camouflaging an awkward length. However, this usually has the opposite effect and can result in your layers looking even more chunky and unattractive. Instead, give your mane a smooth and sleek look by using a dime-sized amount of leave-in conditioner and give your hair some shape and texture with just a little bit of wax or pomade.
Consider Extensions
If you want to just skip over the whole awkward phase of growing hair out, you might consider hair extensions. Professionally applied salon hair extensions are made of human hair and will give the appearance of a full head of naturally grown hair. However, this option is pricey. Salons generally charge for hair extensions based on two factors: The cost of the hair and the cost of the stylist's time. Since the hair is expensive and can take up to six hours to apply, as of 2009, the cost can generally fall from $400 to $1,500, depending on where you live and how much hair you need. If you are desperate to have a head of long hair and can't stand to wait, this investment may be right for you. If you're willing to wait, you can save yourself a lot of money.
Tags: your hair, grow your, grow your hair, growing your, growing your hair, hair extensions, all-over color
Monday, July 15, 2013
Homemade White Clown Makeup
Homemade makeup can be created using regular kitchen ingredients.
Clowns are recognized for their characteristic white makeup. However, clown makeup can be costly due to the amount needed to cover a person's face, and sometimes the makeup may be difficult to find during off-Halloween seasons. Fortunately, clown makeup can be created using regular kitchen items. Some parents prefer this method to avoid chemical-infused makeup.
Instructions
1. Mix 10 teaspoon cornstarch and 2 teaspoons flour on a small plate or in a container. Use a fork to mash these ingredients together, as you will only be dealing with a small amount of paint. However, make sure the mixing is thorough.
2. Add 5 teaspoons vegetable shortening to your mixture. This will yield a thicker texture, so use a wooden spoon to help you mix the ingredients better.
3. Add 1/4 teaspoon vegetable glycerin to your composite. This will create a white base for your clown makeup. Adding an additional two drops of glycerin can create a creamier texture, if desired.
4. Use a sponge or paint brush to apply the clown makeup. Paint brushes help with smaller or detailed face coloring. Sponges are useful for applying makeup on larger areas of the face.
Tags: clown makeup, created using, created using regular, makeup created, makeup created using, regular kitchen, This will
The Advantages Of Matte & Glossy Finishes
Choosing the right types of printing material for your pictures depends on your needs.
Matte and glossy paper are the go-to choices for photographers when printing images. Glossy prints shine with sharpness and quality while matte finishes showcase professionalism and eloquence. When choosing what type of print finish to use for your photos, it is important to weigh the advantages of the two.
Colors
Glossy print finishes tend to make colors in photographs appear more vibrant; they are slick and shiny. Images appear sharp and if they are ever digitized, the texture of the print will not be picked up by the scanner. Matte finishes are more muted and less flashy. When matte prints are digitized, the texture of the paper with be recorded by the printer.
Glare
One of the major drawbacks of glossy photographic prints is image glare. Because glossy finishes are so shiny, light reflections on the surface can distract from the actual image. It is often difficult to look at a glossy print from anything other than a straightforward angle. Viewing glossy images from diagonal angles is often impossible because the finish will bounce glaring light, overpowering the image. Matte prints are not as reflective as glossy images, making them viewable from all angles in most lighting conditions.
Black and White
Matte finishes make monochrome, or black and white, pictures tend to look better. Monochrome photography is based on light and dark values within the frame. Matte frames keep outside light from obstructing the composition.
Enlarged Photos
Matte finishes tend to benefit enlarged prints simply because of the lack of gloss. A large glossy print is essentially going to be a gigantic light reflector picking up the glare from any light it faces, causing a major distraction. Such problems do not occur on a matte finish. Eliminating shine from a large photo makes it far more visible.
Damage
Matte prints are less susceptible to accidental damage. The stickiness of glossy prints can make fingerprints, dirt and debris clutter an image. Matte finishes are not sticky so they do not attract such artifacts. While fingerprints can be cleaned off glossy prints with a microfiber towel, the act of wiping itself can cause further damage.
Tags: Matte finishes, digitized texture, finishes tend, glossy images, glossy print, image Matte
Pass An Alleyoop
A slam dunk is often the spectacular ending to a properly placed alley-oop pass.
The alley-oop is a two man play in basketball that consists of one player tossing the ball into the air near the basket where the second player, leaping up to catch the ball mid-flight, places it into the hoop, scoring. Often used to dunk the ball, the alley-oop is a flashy, crowd-pleasing play that shows a high-level of precision and trust on the players' parts. While both players must be skilled in their perspective portions of the play, knowing pass an alley-oop is crucial to its success, as no score is possible unless you send the ball to the proper position.
Instructions
1. Advance down the court towards the basketball hoop at a moderate pace to begin with. As you practice and gain experience you can try it at full speed.
2. Choose a position at which you wish to make the pass. This should be within the three-point line, but still outside the free throw lane which is usually too well covered to toss the alley-opp pass with any accuracy during normal play.
3. Make occasional eye contact with your partner, the scorer, as you approach the line at which you've chosen to make your pass. Wait for your partner to indicate a readiness to jump. This is where the practice comes in handy as you'll need experience playing together to have the silent communication necessary to anticipate your partner's movements.
4. Throw the basketball towards your partner's side of the basket using the same throwing motion you would use when taking a shot. Aim the throw so that it sails slightly above the rim within your partner's reach at the moment your partner achieves the height necessary to slam the ball through the hoop.
5. Watch as your partner scores.
Tags: your partner, pass alley-oop
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Stylish Groom Wear
Friday, July 12, 2013
Fit A Men'S Suit
A well-tailored suit makes a man look professional.
Most men look very impressive in a well-tailored suit. The suit is the uniform of the business world, and men can spend a lot of money on a good one. But all of that money will go to waste if the suit is not fitted properly. This will require various measurements of your body. If you don't measure properly, your suit will not fit appropriately.
Instructions
1. Place one end of the measuring tape in the center of your chest. Wrap the tape around your body, going under your arms and across your shoulder blades. Make sure the fit is comfortable and not too snug. This number is the jacket size (for example, a 42-inch chest would take a size 42 coat).
2. Bend your arm slightly and run the tape measure from the back of your neck, across your shoulder, down your arm to your waist. This is the arm measurement. Some suits will have an arm measurement for the jacket, but most of them will come in "long," "natural" or "short." The "long" or "short" versions usually have sleeves that are 2 inches longer or shorter than the sleeves in the natural fit. If the natural jacket doesn't fit in terms of the sleeves, go for the long or short varieties.
3. Place the measuring tape slightly below your natural waist and wrap it around your body. Make sure you can place a finger between the tape and your body. The measurement of the tape will be the waist size of the pants. (For example, a waist that is 32 inches will take a size 32 pants.)
4. Place one end of the tape measure on the inside of your leg where your leg meets your torso. Pull the tape taut and run it down the inside of your leg to the middle of your foot. This is your inseam. The measurement of your inseam is the size of the inseam (i.e., a 36-inch inseam is a size 36).
Tags: your body, across your, across your shoulder, around your, around your body, inseam sizeThursday, July 11, 2013
Identify Hermes Scarves
Spotting a Hermes scarf is a little like finding Waldo's sassy cousin, Wilhelmina, among a crowd of fashionable, glamorous and classy elite traipsing around in the ultimate jaw-dropping accessories. Follow these steps to identify a Hermes scarf in a crowd and, even better, spot an imposter upon closer inspection.
Instructions
1. Note an overall bold, eye-catching design with bright colors and features like horses, shields, swords and Flamenca dancers. The founder, Thierry Hermes, was a saddle maker in the 1800's, which inspired many of the well-known designs.
2. Look for a white tag with English or French wording, as no other language is ever printed on the tags. It should read either "MADE IN FRANCE 100% SILK DRY CLEAN ONLY" or "FABRIQUE EN FRANCE 100% SOIE." If you see "reine seide" or "seta" you know you have an imposter on your hands.
3. Admire the scarf's hems. The Hermes scarf has a signature rolled hem that is hand-rolled toward the front and is hand-sewn in a perfectly matched thread. The tag is also sewn in the same thread.
4. Search for the signature of the artist somewhere on the scarf. For instance, the Cliquetis design bears the signature of artist Julie Abadie and the copyright symbol "C" or "Hermes Paris C" under the title or on the blade of the sword.
5. Visit one of the 20 plus Hermes boutiques in the United States. You are sure to be greeted with an assortment of tantalizing colors and designs. Bring your plastic-or a good friend who wants to see you able to still pay your rent at the end of the month-if you expect to make it out with enough change in your pocket to sip a post-Hermes Perrier.
Tags: Hermes scarf, FRANCE 100%, signature artist