Fashion Tips for Female

Get naked in the front of the mirror. Ask yourself what you love about your body and what you hate.The things you hate are what will hide; the things you love are the things you can afford to show off.When looking in the mirror, be honest and objective. What you hate might be the envy of your best friend (consider Susannah's big breasts!)

Flat-chest:
Most women who are flat-chested have a tendency to carry their weight on their bottom. So show off those arms with a lovely sleeveless round neck top. Most importantly, don't make breasts that aren't there. Just accept it and, if you want to be sexy (and you are in your 30s), show a bit of nipple, gently.

Pear-shape:
Never wear jackets that cut you across the bottom. Either wear a jacket that ends at the waist (to show your bum off) or wear one to the knee (to cover it up).

Short-waisted with long legs:
If you have a short body and long legs, chances are you have big breasts. Pull them up with a really good bra so they won't accentuate your short waist. Also, wear short jackets that hit the hip-bone.

Long body with short legs:
Never wear cropped trousers; they make your legs shorter. Layer your top half. Like Trinny, wear a long t-shirt under a sweater to break up your long back. Don't forget to keep your trousers very long and wear a higher heel to put yourself back in proportion.

Large-size:
Don't tent yourself and don't be afraid to wear tighter clothes. Do wear a plunging neckline, which will show off a beautiful décolleté.

Short neck:
Buy deep V or low fronted tops. High necks will only make your neck look shorter.

Broad shoulders and slim hips:
Buy flat-fronted long trousers and skirts cut on the bias.

Don't Treat Your Sport Shirts Like They Are Dress Shirts

Just because a particular shirt may look like a dress shirt, that doesn't mean it is. Sport shirts have become increasing popular with the corporate casual dress code taking over the American work place. As a result, there are lots of shirts out there posing as dress shirts when they are really sport shirts. Allow me to clarify the difference between the two.

Sport shirts can be long or short sleeved, they can be made of cotton or polyester and everything in between, and they can be solid in color or have wild prints. Sport shirts are great because they can be worn with blazers, with jeans, under a v-neck sweater, etc. In general, they are versatile and allow guys to be expressive with prints and colors. However, they shouldn't be treated as a proper dress shirt.

So how do you know the difference between a dress shirt and sport shirt? The biggest difference between the two is the fit. Sport shirts are more loosely fitted while dress shirts are more tailored and meant to be worn with a tie and under a suit. Simply put, dress shirts should fit you like they were made for you. They also tend to be more expensive. Why is this you ask? Dress shirts have better construction, better detailing and are typically made of better quality cottons.

So how should your dress shirt fit? Here four helpful tips to follow when looking for your dress shirt.

• Go to a men's store or reputable department store to get properly sized if you haven't already. Just ask a sales person, that is what they are there for.
  
• Sleeve length should be about one inch below your wrist bone and allow about a quarter inch to be seen from the sleeve of you suit.
  
• The shirt collar should fit snugly around your neck but allow you to put two fingers inside.
  
• You may want to refer to my article on Tailoring Your Shirt to Look Made-to-Measure once you have picked up your dress shirt.

What kind of collar should you choose? Here are three shirt collars you are most likely to come across and I would suggest avoiding any others that aren't mentioned here.

• A shirt with a spread collar is more dressy and meant to be worn with a suit and tie. This is not the type of shirt you would wear casually without a tie.
  
• The oxford button down as it is known is not quite as formal as a spread collar and is great with khakis and a blazer.
  
• A point collar is dressier than a button down and not quite as formal as a spread collar. It's the most versatile and common of three since it can be worn open without a tie or with if you so choose.

Must Haves for Every Man's Wardrobe

Men's wardrobe essentials - I thought it would be interesting to ask Kim Johnson Gross of Chic Simple Ltd what wardrobe essentials every man should have in his closet. I also asked her for some bargain shopping tips for those of us who want to stretch our wardrobe dollars. The advice she provided gives every guy the essentials he needs for a practical and functional wardrobe that will carry him though many different occasions.

Where to Start?
According to Gross, when it comes to building a functional wardrobe, the first thing a guy must do is assess his lifestyle. Does he need to wear a suit every day? If so, then he will need several suits. Is he in a more casual setting at work? If so, then perhaps he needs more khakis or jeans than trousers or suits. No matter what his particular situation though, there are things every man should have in his wardrobe.

Men's Wardrobe Essentials

1. A suit (navy or gray)
- Even if you only need a suit a couple of times a year, you're glad to have it on hand when those occasions arise. Navy or gray suits are classic and neutral and can be dressed up or down. You can even wear the blazer with khakis or jeans. This is an item worth spending some money on.
2. Black shoes and belt
- These can be worn with khakis, jeans and your suit. This is an essential combo. Before buying brown, get black. I think you will find you get more mileage out of them, especially when attending more formal or evening functions.
3. White dress shirt (good for day and night occasions)
- White dress shirts look good on just about everybody. They look sharp and are versatile but should not to be worn as a casual shirt.
4. Solid tie - Solid ties are easy and versatile. If solid isn't your thing, try a classic diagonal stripe. Having several tie patterns on hand will ensure you are prepared for interviews, weddings and evening events.
5. Blue blazer - A blue blazer is good for all year round and easily coordinates with khakis and other items. If that bores you, try a tweed sport coat but also keep in mind that tweed is really only useful in fall and winter. Either way a blazer or tweed sport coat holds a look together.
6. Khakis and jeans
- No explanation necessary here. Jeans are a staple of the American wardrobe. Khakis are the same.
7. Overcoat
- An overcoat doesn't necessarily mean a long coat. It also means 3/4-length or car coat length. This item really finishes an outfit and can be worn with everything including jeans. And everyone needs a coat in winter, right? Well, maybe not if you live in places like Phoenix or San Diego.
8. Briefcase
- A briefcase does not necessarily mean a hard case. It can be soft, or messenger bag style. In a man is has to carry files and other documents, this is an essential.
9. Athletic wear
- Even for non-athletic types, athletic wear is great for those lazy Sundays and dashes to the convenience store at wee hours of the morning.
10. Casual shirt - A casual shirt such as a polo or button down is a must have to wear with jeans or other casual pants.
11. Deconstructed suit - A deconstructed suit is great because it has a relaxed look but is pulled together. Also, the pants and blazer can be worn separately)

7 Tips Men Need to Know About Wearing Color

A man who knows how to wear color well can really turn some heads. According to Kim Johnson Gross, co-founder of Chic Simple Ltd, men shouldn't be afraid of color but should embrace it. They should experiment even if it's just with shirt colors. Kim and I discussed this topic and we came up with several tips men need to know about wearing color.

1. Especially wear color in summer
   Summer is such a festive time of year. Light and bright colors are de rigeur. So I advise you to choose a color that is your signature color for the season and one that enhances your natural skin and hair tone.

2. Stay away from beige colored shirts
   Beige is a bad color for shirts or any article that is around the face. It is rarely a good color for someone. I don't know why designers continue to push this color on us. Just don't secumb to the pressure.

3. French blue is always a good choice
   French blue, which is a rich medium blue, is a flattering color for most skin tones. It makes a great dress shirt, which is mainly where you will find this sumptuous hue.

4. Stay away from bright, solid-colored socks
   Colorful socks are okay if they have a design like stripes or argyle. But bright, solid-colored socks are simply not a good idea. Donny Osmond is suddenly coming to mind.

5. Keep color around the face
   Again, it is important to keep flattering colors that enhance skin and eye color around the face. You don't want to look like you just got out of the hospital, do you?

6. Stay away from loud patterns
   They are distracting and ultimately not a good thing. If it was ever in, it was the eighties, but we've thankfully moved on.

7. Take a look around you
   If you are baffled about how to incorporate more color into your wardrobe, take a look around you. Look at ads and store displays. For example, Ralph Lauren really uses a lot of color in his collections. He styles his clothes well—gives classics a twist by using color. Also, Brooks Brothers has more recently had great options with color. If you are traveling abroad, see how the locals use color. Italians are probably the best at wearing color--you would be hard pressed to see people there wearing dark, drab colors.

Men's Fashion Mistakes

Men's fashion mistakes - We all make fashion errors now and again, but some fashion mistakes made by men are just unforgivable. I have outlined eight fashion mistakes to avoid at all costs.

Socks with Sandals
Who decided this was okay in the first place? Living in the Northwest, I am unfortunately faced with some of the worst offenders of this major fashion don’t. I understand that when it is chilly outside we all dream of the warmth of the summer sun, but wearing socks with sandals doesn’t make the seasons change any faster. If you want to wear sandals this badly, move to a warmer climate.

Novelty Ties, Shirts, Boxer Shorts, Etc.
Just say no (I'm channeling Nancy Reagan). There is nothing lasting about novelty clothing nor does it project a stylish, put together image. Leave the smiley faces, hearts, reindeer, shamrocks, animal and various other prints on the racks of the store where you found them.

Blaring Designer Labels
This is a personal pet peeve of mine. I don’t want to be a walking advertisement and neither should you. It’s not a sophisticated look. Just because you are wearing a designer’s name on your chest, sleeve, or wherever, doesn’t make you stylish. Keep it understated and simple.

Backpacks at the Office
I work in a very upscale high rise in Seattle, filled with lawyers and other professional types and it never ceases to surprise how many men wearing nice suits are schlepping backpacks. Unless you are a student or are hiking up a mountain, leave the backpack at home. If you need something for your gym clothes, buy a nice looking gym bag (and there are options that don’t have big logos on them), or if you need something to carry your assorted papers, cell phone, day-planner, etc., get a nice messenger bag.

Chunky Shoes
These were okay back in the 90s, but the big chunky shoes, especially those with square toes, should be retired at this point. Choose something classic that stands the test of time.

Shiny or Glittery Shirts and Suits
If you are looking for something to go out nightclubbing in, I can think of much better choices than those that are glittery, shiny and ultimately tacky. If you are at a loss, try a form fitting black t-shirt or black dress shirt which can be worn with jeans or trousers and dress shoes or casual shoes.

Clothes That Are Too Loose Fitting
In a word, sloppy. Unless you are a hip hop artist, it’s not the right look. Choose clothes that fit your body. This might take some experimentation by mixing and matching certain cuts and styles until you find the right fit for your body that is flattering.

Unflattering Colors
That beautiful blue cashmere sweater you found on sale after Christmas might be really tempting, but if it makes you look ill it’s no bargain. The colors you wear should compliment your natural features such as your eye color, skin tone and body shape. Keep this in mind when putting your look together.

Men's Fashion - 6 Important Men's Fashion Rules to Live By

Every man has asked themselves about matching their socks with their trousers and other assorted questions at some point in their lives. Here I have listed six important men's fashion rules to live by which should at least clear up some confusion about a few things.

1. Always match your belt with your shoes. This is a good rule to follow and it keeps things simple. It's best to stay with traditional colors such a black, dark brown or a rich tan. Other colors will be difficult to match, and generally speaking, should be avoided. If you wear sneakers every day that probably means you are wearing jeans in which case I suggest trying a belt made of fabric or something equally as casual, but please avoid dress belts with jeans and sneakers. If you wear suspenders, I am compelled to ask you why, but I digress. Just don't wear a belt and suspenders together, it's one or the other.

2. Matching Ties and Shirts. For while the solid-colored shirt with a tie of the same (or slightly-off) color was seen everywhere. This is now a somewhat dated look. Try mixing things up a little and experiment with colors. Ties are great way to express yourself, but keeping it tasteful is your best bet. You can't go wrong with diagonal stripes, modern polka-dots, plaids and subtle patterns. Just make sure your tie compliments your shirt, suit, sweater or what ever you will be wearing it with. Novelty ties are best avoided since the novelty is short lived.

   Note: Ties should be tied in whatever style most strikes your fancy. You should know that there are many different ways to knot your tie, and different knots say different things. I prefer the Windsor or the four-in-hand, but I do suggest that you explore a little just for kicks. As for clip on ties--just say no.

3. Pleats vs. Flat-Front. Why so many men have avoided flat-front trousers has always been a mystery to me. Flat-front trousers look better than pleated pants most of the time. Pleats make you look less slim. I have heard guys wear pleats because it’s more comfortable or because flat-fronts are more for athletic bodies. Truth is most men can wear a flat-front trouser. If you want more room then buy them a little big and have them brought in at the waist. This can be done at the store where you buy your clothes or by an independent tailor. And lastly, flat-font trousers are much more fashionable.

4. Socks. The more official rule on socks is that they should match the color of your pants, though preferably not the exact same shade unless, of course, you are wearing black in which case it's okay. However, I personally like to wear socks with patterns, such as stripes in various colors. But I do try to match my socks with my pants and shoes. To quote Glenn O'Brien from GQ magazine, ". . .you will ultimately realize that beyond the valley of rules rises the mountain of aesthetics, the peak of which (if there is one) is always shrouded in beautiful clouds of various hues, many of them resembling certain of my more unusually hued socks."

   Note: Although it should be obvious, white socks should be reserved for the gym.

5. Watches are the single most important accessory a man can own. I really suggest investing in one good watch that suits your lifestyle and taste. However, if you are someone who likes to own more than one watch, wear the appropriate timepiece for your outfit: black band with black shoes and belt; brown band with brown shoes and belt; and silver band for either. See my Men's Watch Guide for more in depth advice.

6. Eyeglasses are one of the few ways you can really express yourself. I have worn glasses for many years and I love having a few pair in different styles. They don't have to just serve a function, but can enhance your overall look. Do your best to find a pair of glasses that not only compliments the shape of your face, but also expresses your personality. Ask people who wear glasses for a place where you can get good advice about what shape and style looks best for your face shape and features.

Finding Your Perfect Hairstyle

There’s nothing I dread more than going to get my hair cut. I’m always scared that she’ll either chop off too much or not enough. On top of that, I can never trust them to do a good job, especially if I’m always switching back and forth to different hairstylists. But even if you’re a skeptical about a certain stylist, there are some things you can do to make sure you get the right kind of hairstyle for your hair. Here’s how:

The first thing to take into consideration is your hair’s texture (fine, medium-smooth, or coarse) as well as shape (straight, wavy or curly). Most people take face shape into consideration first and that’s not the way to do it: a face shape can suit a number of different styles so don’t base it on that.

Find a picture with the hairstyle that you want and show it to your stylist. Even if the person in the picture has thicker hair than you or a different shape, a good stylist will know how to make that work to your advantage.

Think about what you want from your hairstyle. Whether it is manageability, something trendy but not so easy to maintain, you must take all of these things into consideration so you get what you ultimately need. Here is a little glossary of some haircut tips for different textures and shapes.

Coarse Hair

Go for short, heavily textured cuts. This will help take the weight off your hair as well as give you more manageability to work with. Your hair will look much lighter and healthier.

Medium-Smooth Hair

You’re in luck if you have this type of hair since almost any style will work for you. So find something that you really like and show a picture to your stylist; she should know what to do.

Fine Hair

Since fine hair is so hard to keep up, try a soft cut with soft lines. A geometric cut with strong lines will be very hard to keep up with on fine hair.

Curly Hair

If you have curly hair (not waves, but spirals), a cut that matches the unique natural shape of your curls is what will make your styling super-easy to do.

Courtesy & Reference: Aniela

How to Treat Hip Area Problems

If you have perfect hips, be proud of them. But what if you feel your hip area needs correction? Don’t wear baggy clothes or too tight jeans.

You should know exactly what makes you look nice.

Here you will find some advice if your buttocks are too heavy, if they are too flat or too wide.

Read and use the tips in choosing your wardrobe for a better look!

If you are bottom-heavy…

• Straight jeans with classic waist as well as flared ones will look good on you.Pockets should be simple and centered. No embellishments or décor on the area of your buttocks are possible as these can attract too much attention to your bottom, and you don’t want that, do you?Low-waist or too tight jeans are not for you either.Opt for clinging tops and jackets paired with high-heeled shoes.
• Empire waist dresses will be a good choice as nobody will ever understand how long your legs are.
• Pencil-dresses will work best too when paired with high-heeled shoes or sandals.
• Monotone garments that don’t ‘break’ your figure into two parts will elongate the silhouette.

If your hips are too wide…

• Generally jeans do not look well with your figure type.Low-waist jeans make you look heavier at the bottom. Too tight or shorter jeans will not flatter you as well. But that does not mean jeans are a complete taboo for you.Straight wide jeans with high waist and small pockets, together with long tunics flowing perfectly along your shape will create the right look of yours.
• And don’t forget about high heels!
• A flared dress with an accent on the waist will make the best for your hips. Select a nice necklace to distract attention from the problem area. The same effect can be achieved by a deep décolleté.

If your buttocks are too flat…

• Tight jeans and a top will help you like Kate Moss. Low-waisted jeans will make your bottom fuller as well as pockets on the back.
• Short empire waist dress or the one with an accent on the waist will look great. Trapeze, lampshade or layered skirts will add volume to your bottom. But stay away from too clinging dresses.

If you have full buttocks…

• You are lucky to have a la Jennifer Lopez bottom. All you need is to emphasize it, show the best of your curves! Jeans will work best with you.Both low waist and high waist will look good. Straight or a bit flared from the knee designs will create the right image and make your silhouette longer. Pockets should be of classic shape and centered.Your top must be tight or corset-like. And of course, the belt!!! It will accentuate your waist and show the best of your figure!
• Dresses with an accent on the midriff will look good.

That is all. I hope you will be able to make the most of your shape and create such a look that will attract all the eyes to you! Good luck!

Reference: by Erin Sun

Men Fashion Trends for Spring-Summer 2009

These spring and summer 2009 men fashion trends are bright and chic.

Some new designs are created, silhouettes that seemed to have gone away forever return back to fashion and lots of details which have been popular with men for a long time already are used with a new modern twist.

So, what exactly is going to be in vogue for men this season?

First of all, suits.

Lots of suits of various kinds were seen in spring collections for men.

Classic stylish suits paired with nice-looking shirts, ties and dressy shoes will look wonderful at any formal dinner or office.

The color palette is extremely wide: from dark strict tones to bright but elegant-looking hues.

Besides, there are many suit types that include very thin, I would call them even skinny, pants.

Such items were presented in Givenchy, Gucci, Jil Sanders, Alexander McQueen’s lines.

And, as one of the spring and summer trends is wide pants, there are some suits which include such pants.

Looks pretty unusual. Look for pieces of this type in Bottega Veneta’s collection.

The next trend to talk about is dinner jackets. There are lots of them in Dolce&Gabbana and D&G lines.

The elements to focus your attention in dinner jackets are the following: satin shawl, satin notched or peaked lapels, or the satin stripe. A good choice for those who like attending posh parties.

Vests are back in fashion.

For a few recent seasons designers seemed to completely forget about the vest and now it’s made a huge comeback. It can go with a suit or without it as a separate piece.

The fabrics are different: satin, wool, jersey, etc. Couturiers who favored these items are D&G, Moschino and others.

Courtesy: MillionLooks, Reference: By Veronica Valter

How to Choose a Perfect Suit for Men

I guess men are aware of the fact that lots of women like to see their partners wearing suits. It’s a common dream that has been in girl’s minds for years, if not centuries.

Suits in 2009 and 2010 are as classic as they can be but there are still plenty of things you have to take into an account when choosing a perfect suit for yourself.

Shoulder Length

Actually there are two main types of suits marked out when talking about shoulder padding - British and Italian (or American).

Personally I like the first, as the shoulder padding extends a bit over the shoulder itself and then rolls down into a sleeve, thus making men’s shoulders look broader. It’s a visual trick. As for the Italian and American type – the shoulder padding ends precisely when the shoulder bone does. So, it’s up to you to decide which of them suits you best.

Number of buttons

The number of buttons a single-breasted suit jacket should have is a matter of personal preference, but think of the following:

• The more buttons the suit has the taller the man wearing it looks – it’s again a visual trick.

• One button has been a fashion trend for a row of seasons and this spring it is still very popular. However, remember that it will look perfect on you only if you are at least 6′ 2″. In case you are shorter prefer a suit with more buttons.

• Two buttons seem the best. It slims the waist, is good about height and really classic.

• Three buttons create a much leaner look but it’s harder to pull off. This type of suits was popular in the 90s of the last century and has made a great comeback this season.

• Four buttons and more. Well, it can be a choice and it is a trend of this season but the model itself doesn’t look very well. Think twice before buying such a suit.

Reference: By Veronica Valter

Milan Fashion Week 2009

Courtesy and Reference: MillionLooks