FashBlog.com

I'll be the first to admit that I had zero fashion sense when I was a teenager. Perhaps growing up as the only girl in a single-parent home with my father and three brothers had something to do with it. I had no one to teach me the basics of outfit coordination, how to choose clothes that showed off my figure, or even how to do my hair or apply makeup. Consequently, I was the consummate tomboy and wore nothing but jeans and t-shirt ensembles throughout junior high and the first two years of high school.

That fact in itself doesn't bother me much; plenty of girls go through the same phase. What does bother me, even as I sit here pondering it nearly 20 years later, is that I couldn't even execute the jeans and t-shirt look properly. You see, I only had 5 or 6 t-shirts and 2 pairs of jeans that I would rotate for the entire school year! I pretty much had a Monday shirt, a Tuesday shirt, a Wednesday shirt, and so on. Imagine that scenario taking place week after week from August to June.

It's not that my father couldn't afford to buy me new clothes -- we were planted solidly in the lower-middle class and always seemed to have just enough of everything to get by. It's just that I never thought to ask for new clothes, and my father never thought to offer. So I kept on wearing the same old t-shirts from random places, like the "I left my [big red heart symbol] in San Francisco" or the maroon number from my bowling team, The Whammies.

Surprisingly enough, I was blissfully unaware of what the other kids thought about my "wardrobe." Because I never noticed other people's clothing, I naively thought they didn't notice mine. No nasty jokes or cruel comments ever reached my unsuspecting ears, though I'm sure (now that I think about it) that kind of thing was happening behind my back. Luckily, I turned things around during my junior year in high school when one of my friends went shopping with me and picked all my clothes out. I learned which kinds of clothes flattered me the most and I slowly built up a real wardrobe that consisted of more than just t-shirts.

I know that we all have been through those fashion cycles that make us cringe at ourselves when we look back at old photos. But when I see my pictures from junior high, I can actually feel my face turning red, even when no one else is in the room. I just hope that your teenage fashion follies didn't cover a whole four years like mine did!

by Kat Yares

Spring is in the air and it is time to put away the winter sweaters and bring out the summer tops. Same goes for the long pants; it is almost time for shorts.

It's a good excuse to clean out the closets anyway. Bag up those clothes I'm never going to wear again and get them donated to a thrift store or women's shelter. Sort through the keepers, winter and summer, store the cold weather clothes.

Not much left on the bed. A couple pair of shorts, four or five tops. Maybe it's time to go shopping.

Looking in the ladies section of the local super center, I see an outpouring or orange. Is this because of The Gates in Central Park earlier this year? The entire department is a sea of saffron.

Orange is not my color, nor is lime green or sunshine yellow. Give me neutrals, give me earth tones, and give me blacks and grays any time of the year.

I don't know, maybe I need to start shopping online for clothes. I've resisted doing that until now. But, it looks like to find something more suited for an older woman, yet not elderly in appearance, I'm going to have to hit the web.

I've seen the ads for Chico's. Maybe I should try there first, I think. Type it in, see several pretty things. I also see the prices. Way out of my budget. I head to Google and type in women's clothing. There are so many returns I don't know where to start.

But, start I will, probably with the advertisers here on this blog site. Maybe I'll find what I'm looking for, maybe I won't. If anyone has any ideas, I'm open to them.

Let's see, exactly what am I looking for? Earth tones, comfortable, not overly trendy. Something that will last more than a few washes in the washing machine before it starts unraveling. Reasonable prices, which means less than twenty bucks.

I don't know, maybe I'm just cheap. Yet, to me, to pay more than that for something just to kick around the house and garden in, is rather unrealistic. So tomorrow, once more I'll start looking. Looking for anything other than saffron orange.

It was just the other day when my wife noticed that I was running out of decent blue jeans to wear. I hate to admit it but I had been trying to hide the fact that I was down to only a couple of pairs of well worn jeans that didn't have holes in the butt or in the knees or weren't unraveling somewhere along a hem. The fact is, I like my jeans well worn and can't stand to get new ones that have to go through the breaking in process.
"You know," she said, "I can see parts of you sticking out of those jeans that really ought to not be put on public display."
"Well," I said, "I don't really plan on going off anywhere so I think they'll be alright for today."
"You know, if we head over to the mall it won't take a lot of time to find a couple of pairs of jeans. There's no use you running around looking like a bum when you could be wearing a decent pair of pants." she said.
Having been married for over 20 years, I knew there wasn't a lot of room for argument, or rather, I knew there wasn't a lot of sense in starting an argument that I wouldn't be able to win. So rather reluctantly, I finished dressing and off we headed to the local mall, or as I like to call it, the seventh level of hell.
As soon as we walked in the door I got the first dose.
"While we're here..." she began.
"Oh no," I said, "We came here to get jeans. We're going to walk into Sears, grab a couple of pairs of jeans and head right back out the door."
"Dillard's is right there." she said. "We won't be in there for five minutes." And off she went with me trailing behind her like the last cow in the herd.
30 minutes later we were still standing at the counter in Dillard's debating whether she should get the blue eye shadow #489 or the azure #522, both of which appeared to be exactly identical to me and probably to every other male within 300 miles.

"Blue jeans." I whispered in her ear. "Blue jeans." I said again a little more forcefully, this time flicking my tongue out and licking her earlobe, a maneuver I knew would get her moving. (She hates it in public but at home alone...well that's another blog).
After getting away from the Dillard's counter, we had to walk past the bookstore. Naturally she thought of a birthday present she had to buy. At least in the bookstore I can find something to entertain myself with. Maybe a book on blue jeans.

Finally we got to Sears, where I promptly moved in, picked out a couple of pairs of 32x36 and headed for the checkout counter. "Aren't you going to try them on?" I heard as I was heading off. "I know what size I wear." I protested. "I've been wearing the same size for ten years. Why would I have to try on a pair of blue jeans?"
"It's gonna take five minutes. What's the big deal? You go in and try them on and come right out. It might save us a trip back."

Sighing deeply, I headed for the changing room. The waist was a little snug, but I'll be damned if I'll walk back out there and tell her that. I wonder why the people who make blue jeans mark them as 32s when they know they're really 31s?

I hit the checkout counter like a madman, wrote a check at record pace, and took off for the exit.
We finally left after getting ice cream, a quick trip through the household appliances at Sears, fifteen minutes of conversation with her friend from the PTA, a quick stop at the T-Shirt store, a pretzel, paying the cell phone bill, a peruse through the jewelry store, another conversation, and a coke. "See?" she said as the security guard behind us locked up for the night, "That didn't take long at all."

I was taught that when you go on a job interview, you should always look your best. You should wear a modest suit and conduct yourself in the same modest business manner. This shows respect to your interviewer and the company you are interviewing with, and also helps you give your best presentation. After all, a job interview is all about selling yourself isn't it?

I saw a strange face around the office today, and I automatically thought it was the son of a coworker visiting his parent. He was wearing blue jeans, tennis shoes, and a tucked in white t-shirt with a sports graphic silk screened on the front. His attire stood out, even in our small business casual office. I was shocked to find out later that he was there for an interview! I immediately assumed that he was not seriously considered for the job due to his presentation. I did not think his attire was appropriate and I thought my coworker interviewing him would find it disrespectful. I was very wrong. He was actually hired for the position. I hope this is not becoming the norm in the workplace. I find the traditional suit to be a job interview standard and I would hate to see this casual take on interview attire become acceptable.

by Kat Yares

One of the things I especially love about spring is that I'm done with the clothes dryer. As soon as the permanent chill is out of the air, I begin hanging clothes out on the line.

I love the fresh smell. Just like fancy dryer sheets and fabric softeners, the scent of spring stays in the newly washed clothes for days. Unlike the washer and dryer additives, the smell is all natural-a true gift of nature.

If you plan your laundry around a predicted spring shower, you can have nature provide your fabric softener. Rainwater is a truly natural way to condition your clothes. Best of all it's free.

Not only do hanging clothes out to dry save wear and tear on the clothes, it also saves money. Running a dryer, be it gas or electric, can really increase the energy bill. The money savings alone buys at least several new outfits a year.

The truth of it is, hanging the clothes out really doesn't take much longer than putting them into the dryer. For some reason, it gives me a real feeling of accomplishment too. For me, it takes ten minutes to hang a load and maybe fifteen to bring it back inside. Of course, I fold as I take it off the line, so that does take a bit longer.

I have never lived anywhere that I didn't have a clothesline of some sort. Big city apartments or back country homes, they have all had a clothesline strung somewhere.

Balconies and breezeways of apartment complexes can usually handle a temporary, detachable clothesline of some sort. Where I had a yard, a thin cotton rope tied between two trees always served the purpose. When I finally settled down and bought a home, four parallel lines were strung permanently.

I have nothing at all against technology. During the winter months, I love my dryer, it dries my clothes and by doing that, it keeps me warm. I have hung clothes outside during the cold months, but there is no pleasure in that, only freezing fingers.

Old timers will tell you they don't understand the way us youngsters do things today. When it comes to laundry, I understand exactly what they mean. Sometimes, the old ways are best.

Where Did All the Real Jeans Go?
by Kat Yares

I've noticed a trend lately. It is almost impossible to find a comfortable pair of jeans that don't either a) look like they are made for a teenager or b) look like they are made for an old woman.

Used to be I could run into the local super center, grab a pair of size 10 longs off the shelf, go home and be happy. Those days are gone. I'm not looking for fashionable jeans, I'm not into trendy. Nor do I want jeans that have an elasticized waist. I don't even want this stretchy stuff that seems to be everywhere I go.

What do I want? Good quality, regular denim. Not this thin stuff that I wonder if I'll split the knees out every time I squat down.

Classic style that after a few washings will wear like an old friend. Not something I'm hitching up every time I walk across the floor. Don't even get me started on 'low riders.'

Strangely enough, I want them to be blue. Preferably dark blue, but I'll settle for light if that's all they have. But I don't want black, I don't want khaki and I sure don't want my jeans to be pink.

A reasonable price would be nice also. I can handle twenty dollars a pair, but really, why would I pay more for something I'm going to be wearing to do garden work?

I used to think I would always be safe if I stuck with Levi's. I mean, after all, those would never change. But, they have. The pair I have on right now is my latest off the shelf purchase. The denim is so thin that I just know they aren't going to last the summer season in the garden. The worst part is that they were more expensive than my last pair, which are now two years old.

I know that this is probably a fad, maybe a craze, and that soon the old fashioned denim jeans will be back. I know if I paid twice the money or more, I could probably find the real denim jeans online somewhere. But I won't. It's the principle of the thing.

I was shopping today and noticed some very nice scarves in the stores. Scarves can really dress up an outfit and can be used in many different ways to accessorize. While I usually think of them as tied around the
neck in some configuration, I have seen them being worn as belts, headbands, pareos, bras, and tied onto handbags or around wrists. Scarves are an excellent way to add color to a drab outfit, and a dark
suit's look can be changed dramatically by adding a colorful scarf to the neckline.

Scarves come in many different fabrics and price ranges, and many prestigious manufacturers make scarves of such quality that they will last one's lifetime, or longer. Burberry, Versace, Louis Vuitton, Dior
and other designers all make distinctive scarves, and Hermes scarves are known worldwide for their beautiful designs; artists chosen by this firm design 12 new scarves each year. The company has been making scarves since 1937, and vintage scarves from prior years are highly sought after.

I think all French women have a collection of Hermes, and they are very inventive in devising clever and unusual ways of tying the scarves. While in Paris once, I happened to see a scarf-tying demonstration in
Galleries Lafayette; I purchased a scarf ring after seeing what seemed like hundreds of different ways to arrange a scarf. Of course, after returning home with my new scarf and ring, I was all thumbs; I didn't
have the French scarf knack at all, but I do still have a lovely scarf.

Scarves aren't just beautiful accessories; they can be very practical in winter. Winter scarves made of cashmere, pashmina, fleece, wool, or knitted or crocheted yarns can be very warm and fashionable as well.
Anyone who has learned to knit or crochet has probably made a long winter scarf; long scarves can be wrapped around the neck several times to provide extra warmth.

Collecting scarves can be as fun as collecting jewelry or shoes. Two of my favorite types of scarves are silk escape map scarves and souvenir tourist map scarves. The escape maps were given to pilots and
soldiers in World War II and Korea; they served as actual maps in case they got shot down or lost behind the enemy lines, and the scarf maps were easily concealed, quiet when being unfolded, waterproof, and very
durable, unlike paper maps. It's nice to think that a scarf you have once saved someone's life. Souvenir map scarves are still made today, and serve a purpose; you can wear your map around your neck! The
vintage map scarves are fun; many were made around the middle of the 20th century and have kitschy designs.

Head scarves are also useful, and are worn by many to conceal a bad-hair day or for religious reasons. A scarf over the hair can be elegant, worn Jackie O or Grace Kelly-style; celebrities often use a scarf worn over the hair and large sunglasses to escape recognition when out in public. A scarf can show respect or modesty when worn for religious reasons; the majority of Muslim women wear scarves and Catholic women up until recent times wore head coverings in church. Head scarves have become somewhat of a political issue and are seen by some as subjugation of women; the wearing of scarves by Muslim school girls in France has been banned, for instance.

Scarves will always be stylish since they are practical as well as decorative. Every woman, young or old, should have a collection of scarves to dress up her outfits, and many scarf styles are attractive and useful for men too.

Traditionally, female wedding guests were not supposed to wear either white or black. What was the basis for these rules and are they still observed today?

Since the bride is usually dressed in white, women avoided wearing white so as not to detract from her on her special day. The bride's shining white dress helped her to stand out in the crowds of people and the photos as well as making her look unique. Generally, guests should still avoid white since it is still important for the bride to have her glory. However, it is acceptable to wear white accents or to wear white paired with a bright color. For example, a white blouse would be just fine with a pretty print skirt.

Black has been considered inappropriate for weddings since it is associated with negative things and weddings are a day of celebration. While this rule still stands for weddings early in the day, it has become acceptable for female guests to wear black to evening weddings. Since black is such a classic for cocktail and formal attire, many women have found their most appropriate dresses for evening weddings are in black. It is important to note however that any black clothing should not appear depressing or grim. Instead, black pieces should be festive and brilliantly accessorized. Prints with black in them are acceptable at most hours of the day.

Whatever color you wear to a wedding, remember you are there to honor and celebrate the marriage of the happy couple. Your clothing helps to set the mood, so dress in something comfortable, fun and that makes you feel good.

Clothing is and has always played a very important role in religion. Certain items of clothing carry specific symbolism as to why a religious group should wear them. For example, many Orthodox Jews wear a black-only wardrobe. Black clothing is known as a symbolic expression. Many Orthodox people think that life is very serious, and should be treated as so. Black is the color of importance. Other colors represent playfulness. So, to avoid frivolity, many Jews wear black. A black hat, known as a "steimel" is also worn by many Orthodox Jews. Many other Jews wear caps on their heads, known as a "yarmulkes." A yarmulke shows your respect for God, who Jews believe, lives in Heaven. The yarmulke separates the person from God. That is why Jews wear this all the time.
The Muslims believe that God, or Allah, commands that they dress in the manner that they do. Both men and woman are not permitted to wear clothing that is tight or see-through. Instead, Muslim men wear long tunics or robes. Muslim women wear long dresses and scarves around their faces. This is done so that women will not be judged upon by the way they look. They should only show their faces to their husbands. Muslims cling to the conviction that all believers should be modest.
Believers of Christianity also wear a certain symbolic item known to all as the Cross. The Cross is found on T-shirts, necklaces, bracelets, pins, earrings, and all other kinds of clothing and accessories know to man. But what is the meaning of this symbol of Christianity? To Christians, the Cross is a reminder of how their savior, Jesus Christ died. He was killed by nailing his hands and feet to a cross. So, the Cross stands as a symbol of the death and rebirth of Jesus Christ.
These three very different religions share one thing in common: dress is very important to their belief system and symbolism is held dear to their hearts.

Walk into any high school or college classroom in your area, and chances are you will see many of the students wearing some item of clothing from Abercrombie & Fitch, be it a pair of jeans, a t-shirt with an off-the-wall slogan, or a baseball cap with a perfectly bent bill. The A&F logo is seemingly everywhere these days and is one of the hottest clothing brands among teenagers and twenty-somethings in America. In fact, Abercrombie & Fitch Co. expects to generate more than $2.5 billion in sales this year at its more than 350 stores across the country. That's not bad for a company that started out as a sporting goods store in New York over 100 years ago.

According to several websites, company founder David Abercrombie opened his first store in New York City in 1892. Current A&F patrons might recognize this date, as it is featured prominently on many Abercrombie t-shirt designs. That, however, is probably the only thing today's customers would recognize from the first store. The sign over the door read "Abercrombie & Co." and the merchandise inside consisted not of trendy casual wear, but of hunting, camping, and fishing equipment. Instead of middle- and upper-class suburban kids, Abercrombie's first customers consisted of rugged outdoorsmen and professional trappers.

In 1900, Abercrombie entered into a partnership with a man named Ezra Fitch, who was one of the store's regular customers, and four years later Abercrombie & Fitch was officially born. Fitch quickly established himself as a forward-thinking futurist and idea man, while the more conventional Abercrombie tried to go about business as usual. Their vastly different management philosophies and visions about the direction of the store soon caused an irreparable strain in their relationship. This ultimately resulted in Abercrombie's resignation from the company in 1907.

Ezra Fitch was now free to implement his business plans at will. He hired a sales staff made up of people with extensive knowledge of the great outdoors in order to cater to the store's biggest customer base. He used innovative in-store display techniques to attract new customers. He printed a thick catalog and sent it out to both existing and potential customers, which was a very expensive undertaking at the time. And, in 1913, Abercrombie & Fitch began selling men's and women's sportswear and outdoors-related clothing.

Over the next several years, Abercrombie & Fitch became the outdoor outfitter of choice among some of America's most elite individuals, from presidents to movie stars. When Admiral Robert E. Peary made his historic expedition to the North Pole, it was with A&F equipment. It is even purported that Ernest Hemingway bought his shotguns from Abercrombie & Fitch.

Subsequent decades brought about many changes for the company, including financial troubles that eventually led to bankruptcy in 1977. Ownership of Abercrombie & Fitch changed hands a couple of times before A&F finally became a public corporation in 1998. The Abercrombie & Fitch style that we associate with the name today is the result of about 113 years of history!

Have you ever wished for an outfit that captured the glamour of 1940s Hollywood? Coveted a black leather jacket that James Dean would have been proud to wear? Or wanted to relive the roaring twenties? Consider shopping at vintage clothing stores.

While much of the clothing found in vintage stores is basic attire from recent decades, there are treasures to be found. While styles change, they generally resurface so watch for items that are coming back into vogue. Or, use vintage clothing to create a unique style; in vintage clothing you will not look like everyone else at the party. Vintage clothing can make a statement about individuality, about glamour or even about recycling. Imagine if everyone recycled clothing instead of buying each new trend.

Classic designs in quality fabrics last for a long time, so many items that have been worn before have a future with a new owner. Many women who can afford designer dresses do not wear them more than a few times. So, a dress that has found its way to a vintage or used clothing store is often in near new condition. And, a used designer gown is usually of a superior cut and make than any inexpensive off the rack dress. Your dream party dress may be hanging on the rack waiting to live again.

For more modern day used clothing finds, consider shopping at consignment stores. In these stores items in good condition are sold, with a portion of the sale going to the original owner. People who resell for consignment often take very good care of their clothing so they can get the best price in the resale market. Jewelry is another thing to look for at consignment stores.

In cities such as Los Angeles and New York shop the stores where the studios clear all of their costumes. Many of the items used by television shows and on movie sets are either barely worn, or brand new. Often, costume designers keep extras of pieces in case a spare is needed or a mishap befalls a clothing item. So, you might be able to pick up the designer jacket identical to one your idol wore in her last blockbuster for mere pennies on the dollar.

Clothing has much to do with the outlook of the wearer and also portray his or her personality completely. A sober mind person will not like to wear too much funky clothes and if he or she is a rocker of the kind, the clothes will be dashing and very attractive. Some people dress themselves just to get noticed and attract the comment of the onlookers. And we talk about the social places, where people move around; this is very common practice, as we see it in the colleges, schools, offices and similar places.

The dresses of ladies or girls are very much debated in many countries, and no wonder, India is one of those countries. There are many types of wearing that ladies have, and they are perhaps one of the best in the world. Saris are one of them and are very popular in India; and ask from anyone, this is the unarguably best formal dress for an Indian woman.

Almost in all the offices and social places in India, people like that women should wear Sari. These Saris are very graceful and very much according to the traditions of Indian culture and society. These Saris come in number of colors and the styles for wearing them also differ pretty much across the whole of the India.

However, there are other regional dresses in India that are famous and prominent in the different states of India, just like the regional languages, regional traditions and other practices famous in a particular region. However, Sari has been the most famous or we can say commonly famous dress for Indian women.

However, with the change of time and the time of globalization, Western dresses and dresses worn in other European countries are become quite famous and prevalent in India. Specially, the younger generation of India is much attractive to these Western dresses. The regional dresses continue to be famous but in bigger cities, these dresses are losing their popularity and Saris are reserved for only special family occasions. However, big personalities of sports, movies, politics, and other spheres of society continue to wear these Saris or at least the regional dresses!

The trade of clothing and thread has changed drastically since the introduction of these Western dresses. There has been a large import of foreign-made clothes and the shopkeepers have changed the content of their shops from cloth to the readymade wear for different ages and genders. Local trade changed much as some MNC companies invested their money to produce the material in India itself and this also provided some employment opportunity to the Indians.

During old days in India, women used to wear the clothes that cover their whole body. But the introduction of Western culture brought about a sea change in the outlook of the girls, who started wearing jeans and tops that are indispensable in Western countries. However, it should be mentioned here that the quality of cloth is different from what was used in India, and cotton was very famous before other synthetic threads came into the market. Clothes for party wearing and other occasions of gathering has changed a lot, and people who work in offices of bigger companies and live in bigger cities have started to wear the clothes that are prominent in Western countries! Sometimes, the person who wears the regional clothing gets some visual harassment sort of thing from the people present there--they seem to say that the person is outdated and does not fit in their bill! Strange it sounds!

With the introduction of discs and other night-partying places in bigger cities, the clothing trend has changes a lot, as none like to wear Indian clothing there; for, they fear that somebody would mark them as outdated and backward! The trends and fashions change with the change of time, and people have started to change the Indian clothing also to make them look different. This helps them to make popular and sometimes people unknowingly wear them as different clothing than the Indians but at the same time having some Indian element to show to the society!

There is always an element of showing and panache in wearing clothes and there are adages to support this view, when they say that eat what you like and wear what others like! But the people who live below the poverty line, and therefore, are totally unaware about the changing fashions, don't care about what others have to say about their dressing. For them, the primary function of clothing is to cover the body from sun, heat, cold and dust, and for them every cloth looks to do that function. The trend of Western clothes and the fashions are prominent in bigger cities and the areas around them, but if you wander in villages and the interior parts of the country, you will still find that the people wear regional clothes and have nothing to do what other say!

I live in Punjab and there is only one type of wearing that is famous for women--Salwar Kammez! The women of whole of the Punjab wear these wearing and there is no household where you can't find these clothes. However, Punjab is not alien to the Western culture and girls here have started to wear jeans and pants and tops, but the regional clothes are still popular and famous. Particularly in villages, where wearing other clothes is believed to be an offending act and the elders of the family forbid their children to wear other clothes. However, for boys, there is no such particular rules as what they should wear and what not! They can choose to wear the regional clothes--Pyjama and Kurta--or the Pants and shirts. They can also wear the Dhoti, which is just like a bed sheet draped around the legs upto the waist and wearing a Kurta with it. Sometimes they just roam without wearing anything and having just the undergarments. But women are not allowed to wear anything that may look obscene to the eyes of the elders. No wonder with the introduction of Western culture, people in the cities of Punjab have allowed their children to wear whatever they like and whatever seems relevant to them according to the society they live in.
The changing of clothes have also something to do with the education of girls, as there are many professional courses that require tight-fitting clothes for the operator and engineering is one of those fields. In previous times, women hardly opted for these courses and therefore they continue to wear the clothes that were prescribed by the elders. But the machine manuals and the rules of workshops require tight-fitting clothes, and so girls started wearing these clothes. When I was doing engineering, girls with me were asked to wear tight-fitting clothes so that there are lesser chances of accidents and other causalities. And this requirement changes the thinking of girls much, as they thought that wearing different clothes for different places in the college itself does not seem to be a good idea, so they started to wear tight-fitting clothes for the whole day and the outlook changed there from! There were times when girls opted even for Mechanical engineering, and working on lathe and other machines do not allow any loose clothes with your body, for, these can be utterly dangerous!

All said and analyzed, I would again return to the Saris, for, they remain to be the choicest wearing for every girl and women. During marriage parties, you will see women and girls dressed in these Saris and nothing else. The jewelry and other materials of make-up certainly add to the grace of these Saris, and they certainly outclass the men in their wearing! Perhaps it is a mindset or something else that a woman dressed in a Sari appears more beautiful than she ever looks in other dresses. Of course the society and culture has much to do with this thought but I personally can't come out of it, and still support the Sari for its grace and supremacy!

There's nothing worse than coming back to work from your lunch break with a big salad dressing or ketchup stain on your blouse or tie -- just before your 1:00 presentation to all the managers in the office. If this has ever happened to you, don't worry. You are not alone. Most people experience some kind of minor fashion mishap at work at some point in their lives. Here are a few tips to help you get through the day the next time things get a little messy.

1. Keep extras on hand
Depending on how much space you have in your office, cubicle, or locker, try to keep a few extra pieces of clothing on hand. Women should definitely tuck a package of panty hose into a desk drawer in case they get an embarrassing run in the pair they are wearing. Men will want to have an extra tie (a basic solid print works best) available. If you have a secure area, such as a locker or an office with a door, you might want to go farther and store an extra blouse (or shirt), and perhaps even a pair of slacks, for use in a fashion emergency.

2. Be prepared to repair
Sometimes a quick fix is in order, rather than a change of wardrobe. Travel-sized items come in very handy for at-work fix ups. Keep a travel-sized sewing kit nearby in order to mend small holes or tears, even if it's just on a temporary basis until you can get to your tailor. In hot, humid summer months, a 45-minute commute in your car can wreak havoc on your outfit and make it look like you spent the whole night in your clothes. Keep a travel-sized iron (don't worry -- they are very small) on hand to freshen up your outfit when necessary. A small can of Static Guard is a must for fighting static cling in the winter months.

3. Damage control
It is important to be able to treat food or other stains on clothing immediately so that the stain doesn't have a chance to set. There are many "home remedies" for removing various types of food stains from clothes. But you probably don't want to keep an entire arsenal of cleaning supplies in your office, so just go with the most versatile: club soda. A small bottle of club soda will help combat a variety of stains, from fruit punch to chocolate to blood. First, clean up as much of the spill as possible. Then, blot the stain with a paper towel soaked in club soda. That should prevent the stain from setting, and you should then wash or dry-clean the item as usual once you leave the office.

We spend so much time at work that spills and accidents are bound to happen. Think of all the food and drink that you encounter in a typical work day: your morning cup of coffee, the jelly donuts that someone brought in because it's Friday, chocolate birthday cake for the receptionist, lunch at the burger joint down the road, etc. By keeping just a few important items on hand, you and your clothes can survive these hazards.

The sunbleached, the sandy, the ones riding the big waves -- the surfers -- influence summer fashions year after year. Since the 1950s surfers have been at the cutting edge of casual summer wear. Their comfortable shorts, tees and other attire have been adopted by anyone trying to create a comfortable beachwear feel. Learn the essential surfwear that will be in everyone's summer wardrobe this year.

Footwear
Thongs: No, not that kind. Thongs, also known as flip-flops are classic beach footwear. They are waterproof, easy to slip on and off and let the sand slide on through.

Water shoes: Perfect for protecting the feet on hot sand or slippery rocks, water shoes are now a must have for beach-going kids around the world.

Huaraches: Originally from Mexico, huaraches are the flexible and comfortable after-surf sandals for the "dressed up" surfer. Wear them to down margaritas as the sun sets.

Shorts
Long surf shorts: Long surf shorts are the most recognized icon of surfer clothing. They generally hit just below the knee and are most commonly decorated in wild print fabric. Real surf shorts offset the pockets so surfers don't have to sit on anything they have stashed.

Board shorts: Board shorts are a little shorter than the long shorts and are commonly of quick dry fabric. Board shorts often sport adjustable tie-waists and Velcro closures.

Tops
Classic tee: The classic tee shirt is the most common top worn by surfers -- second only to the bare chest for guys and the bikini top for girls. Tees can be solid color, but usually have surf logos or motifs on them; surf competition tees are always popular.

Tanks: Tank tops are easy to shrug into and say "summer" for most people. The surfer who cannot stand to don real clothing usually opts for the tank.

Bikini tops: The girl surfer layers her bikini top under her tee. Her bikini top is sexy but sturdy since she doesn't want it to fall off when she takes off her wet suit. She may wear just her bikini and board shorts when she is just hanging out.

There is general trend to say that this cloth is warm and this is not! I also used to say the same things before I entered into my higher secondary class, and we started reading Physics thoughtfully. There were many conceptual questions that the book of Physics had, and they were rather interesting for the fact that these questions dealt more with common life problems. Some of them explained how we walk on earth, why the boat is pushed back when someone jumps ashore from it, and why we color the solar-cooker black? All these questions were amazing and almost all of them were eye-openers.

One day we were reading about Thermodynamics and there came a fact that air was bad conductor of heat, and therefore, if we have a quilt and two blankets of same thickness, the blankets would be more warmer than the quilt. This was due to the fact that the air trapped between these blankets would be more than the air trapped in the wool of a quilt! This was an interesting fact for us, and we wondered that why people say that a particular cloth is warm, when actually that quality depends upon the volume of air trapped!

Yes, if you feel a cloth warmer than the other one, it is just due to the fact that the cloth traps more air. There is no warm and cold cloth by nature, it is due to the quality of reluctance to heat of the air trapped in the fibers of those clothes.

The story did not end here, as there was another question that challenged the use of clothes at all; for, as the question suggested that if air is a bad conductor, why we wear clothes at all? --When we air all around us, there will be no feeling of coldness! It was really a challenging question, but the laws of Thermodynamics suggests that the air can take heat from our body through convection, if not through conduction! This is also the reason of drying of the clothes in sun! Really, science is amazing in its questions and also in its answers!

I'll admit that shoes used to be nothing more than an afterthought for me. Up until a few months ago, I had exactly three pairs of shoes: one pair for work, one pair for working out, and one pair for everything else. I was fine with that arrangement, but it really infuriated a fashion-conscious friend of mine. "You don't know what you're missing," she told me over and over. "Every woman needs to have at least one pair of really great shoes."

After a few weeks of hearing this mantra on a daily basis, I finally gave in and went shopping with her. We went to an upscale department store and took our time looking around in the shoe section. I wasn't at all prepared for what I saw. Bear in mind that I had never before in my life owned a pair of shoes that cost more than $100. Talk about sticker shock! I couldn't believe the prices. "You get what you pay for," my friend shrugged.

I tried not to think about how long it would take me to pay off my credit card bill and continued shopping. I finally settled on a pair of black Prada loafers that I decided would become my new work shoes. I have to confess that at this point I was actually pretty excited about wearing them the next day.

I hate to say this, but my friend was 100% correct! Right out of the box, my new shoes were the most comfortable pair I had ever worn. They looked great, they felt great, and I got many compliments on them from co-workers. I was amazed that something as simple as a nice pair of shoes could make me feel so good.

So here it is, three months later, and I am still in love with my shoes. I am now an official convert and wholeheartedly believe that every woman does need at least one great pair of shoes. Try it. You'll be glad you did!

It is quickly approaching -- the time of year dreaded by many women. Swimsuit season is just around the corner and those unforgiving, three-way, dressing room mirrors are looming. While swimsuit shopping may never be fun for anyone except super models -- and even they worry about cellulite -- the following tips can help you shop for the best looking swimsuit without too much pain.

Be realistic about your body
Real people come in all shapes and sizes and beauty ideals are not all defined by the shape of a 17-year old runway model. So, be realistic about the body you are in and the features you want to hide or enhance. Even the most constrictive suit is not going to make a flabby body tight and lean. However, finding the best swim suit for your body type does make a difference and will help you look more attractive. Keep in mind that a swimsuit is not just for baring your assets, but that it lets you enjoy active pursuits at the beach and pool.

Look for comfort
Make sure the suit you choose a suit that moves with your body and covers comfortably. Try stretching in various directions and make sure the suit does not slip. Does it ride up in back? Slide down in front? If the suit is white or a light pastel color, make sure it is lined or it may turn see-through when wet. Since you may wear a different size in swimsuits than in dresses, wear what fits, not the size number that you think you should be buying. If you plan to engage in active sports while in your swimsuit, opt for a tank style suit instead of a bikini to ensure your suit stays put and does not let you down at critical moments.

Match the suit type to your body
Have a bust you would like to emphasize? Consider horizontal stripes or ruffles at the bust to accentuate this area. A slightly scooped or halter-style neck can also give the illusion of cleavage; avoid band tops since they flatten the bust.

Want to mask a full bottom or thighs? Consider a suit with high cut legs. This visually elongates the legs and makes these areas look less full. While the impulse may be to cover these areas, this generally does not work.

Heavy around the middle? Either wear a suit with a pattern that creates the illusion of a narrow waste, for example a diagonal cut into the waist or a contrasting colored belt or stick with a solid dark color. Several suit manufacturers use support fabric in the tummy area, so look for these to help you hold it in.

If you feel your bust is large, choose a t-back or tank style top to support this area prettily. A built-in bra is a must for large breasted women in swimsuits; avoid string bikinis and halter styles which expose too much for comfort.

The weather is warming up and it is time to shed the heavy sweaters and coats. But, what are the hottest looks for girls this season?

Belly baring tops are on the way out. Instead, go with lightweight spring shirts of flowing fabrics with fun prints or kicky appliqués. Gauzy bohemian blouses keep any girl cool on a steamy day and tunics are perfect for spring weather transitions.

Short shorts are okay for the pool, but for the rest of the time pick crisp shorts that hit mid-thigh. Bermudas are big this season and board shorts continue to be popular items for girls as well as guys.

In skirts, nearly anything goes except for the skintight mini. Flounces and ruffles abound in the gypsy style casual skirts that range from mid-thigh to mid-calf. A-line skirts are popping up in bright and cheery prints, from floral to citrus slices.

The blazer is back. A new batch of casual blazers is out and can be worn as a topper for nearly anything. Put a spring green cotton blazer with a floral-print, flounced skirt for a fresh look that spouts spring.

Straight and tapered leg pants have been supplanted by ankle styles that range from boot-cut to flares. Jeans continue to be classic as a new class of comfortable, casual twills takes center stage.

Dresses are super-fun and swingy this spring. Spaghetti straps abound on dresses in a range of candy shop colors. The 70s styles that re-launched the poncho in the fall have inspired halter dresses that would make any Stepford wife proud.

Sandals are strappier than ever and come in every pastel and bright color imaginable. Pair shocking pink or orange sandals with neutral pants for a look sure to make people turn around and smile. Sequined and jeweled shoes are still topping the charts, but make sure not to sacrifice arch support for glitz. Flats are practical and easy for spring, so tuck away the stilettos for now.

Whatever you choose, remember that being comfortable in your clothing is the most important key to good style. Wear designs that allow you to express your own nature while flirting with the possibilities life has to offer.

Finding the right formal wear for a special occasion can be both fun and challenging. Whether or not you're on a budget, you can find a variety of classy formal wear and accessories that you'll feel wonderful wearing.

First, plan out your look. This will keep you from getting frustrated when you're out shopping, because you'll already know what you're looking for. If you need to draw a sketch of how you want the outfit to come together, or write everything down, don't hesitate to do so. And, don't be afraid to ask your friends and family for pointers. Many times, we may think a certain dress style of cut is flattering on us, but other people can give you an accurate description of how you look to others. Remember, everything you may like doesn't necessarily look as good on, and your favorite colors may not be the colors that compliment you the best. You should select the color you'd most like to find your formal wear in, but have two or three 'backup colors' that look good on you, in case you don't have enough time to find exactly what you intended.

Once you're ready to go shopping, take any existing accessories you may have with you to help you match up colors and styles. If you already have a great pair of shoes and haven't found anything formal to wear with them, take them with you so you can put them up against dresses or shawls. If you have a purse that you need to find shoes for, take the purse with you and place it up against shoes that you think would complete your outfit. If you want to wear multiple pieces to your formal event (i.e. a jacket and pants suit, or a skirt and top) remember that you don't necessarily have to buy clothes as a set. You can find shoes and a shirt that would go wonderfully with a skirt you already have, or dress pants that will compliment a top that you own. Make sure that even though you're dressing for a formal event, your personal style is seen. It is more than possible to be formal, classy, and unique all in one outfit.

Also, consider the weather at the time of your formal event. Many women tend to wear strapless or spaghetti-strap dresses to any formal occasion, no matter the weather. People also think that clothes that cover more of the body are not as attractive, especially when searching for formal wear. However, if you know you get cold easily, or will uncomfortable wearing a more revealing outfit when it colder outside, keep this in mind when you're shopping. There is plenty of formal winter wear that is confidently figure-fitting, and you'll be sure to stay warm.

Don't just look in the formal sections of department stores to find your outfit, either. You can put together a number of pieces that you won't feel out of place with at a formal event. Purses and jewelry with pearls, flowers, or silk fabrics will make any outfit dressier, and sequins work as a wonderful accent to make any outfit, formal or casual, stand out.

Most importantly, wear your formal outfit with the utmost confidence. While you may choose to wear something a little more non-traditional to an event, you won't be able to pull it off well if you look unsure of yourself. Make as many adjustments as you need to at home before you step out; if the hairstyle you had originally planned to wear doesn't exactly match with the final product of the outfit, change it. If the makeup you chose isn't looking right to you anymore, make some changes. Wear your outfit as many times as you can before the event, so that you can get used to the way it feels on, and how it falls on your body. This way, when you walk into your event, you'll be sure to turn heads and receive the right kind of attention.

Wearing denim in the workplace has previously been considered taboo in years past, but many more women and men are bringing their jeans to the office. Since denim comes in many forms and shades, and some kinds of denim are dressier than others, choosing which type of denim to wear to work can be a bit of a task. Knowing the look you want and finding denim that will reflect your personal style and professional attitude can help you in your search, and you'll even find denim you can where just about anywhere.

Your body shape, height, and weight are the determining factors you should use when looking for the perfect workplace denim. If you are rather tall, finding a jean that fits you at the hip or waist (depending on how long your torso is) and is long enough at the leg will make you look leaner and will fit more comfortably. Boot cut jeans are often best for taller people, too, because they will fit well over your shoes, and you can wear both heels and flats with boot cut or flare jeans. If you are shorter or medium height, a jean that is the right fit at the waist and in the legs will make for comfort and easy movement. Selecting denim that you can wear with blazers, ponchos, or collared shirts is also a plus; it's a good idea to get jeans that you can wear with just about anything, but still well put together in. Make sure that your denim fits appropriately, too. Your jeans shouldn't fit too tight; while this can be fashionable outside of the office, tight jeans don't exactly say 'I'm a professional.' And jeans that fit too loosely can make your outfit look poorly coordinated and sloppy.

Denim pants are not the only office-wear alternative, though. Jean skirts and jackets can accent any outfit well, especially if paired with the right accessories. Wearing casual slacks or khakis with a jean jacket gives off a professional but personable feel, and wearing a denim skirt with a dressy top can create a look that is both professional and practical. Denim Capri pants have also become acceptable office wear in some workplaces. Capri pants can be worn with stiletto heels or boots, and should be worn with a belt in the office; blazers or collared shirts go well with Capri pants as well. However, for the workplace, it's not recommended to wear too much denim with one outfit. If you're wearing a denim skirt or jacket, pair these items with suede, leather, or cotton articles of clothing.

When you're looking for shades of denim to wear to work, dark is always best. There are many shades of denim to choose from, from extremely light, stone-washed, pre-washed, and very dark blue. Dark blue denim is closest to black, which is a very accepted color professionally, as it denotes class and conservatism. Keep this in mind when choosing your denim. You don't necessarily have to go with the darkest denim you can find, since you may want to go with a slightly lighter shade of blue to compliment your skin tone or hair color.

You can find the right jeans for you in a number of places, from department stores, to online stores - even thrift shops. Make sure you have enough time to actually shop for your denim; most people assume that they don't have to 'try jeans on' or 'find the right pair of jeans' as long as they pick up the right size. Make sure your jeans accent the favorable parts of your body, and help to hide the parts you still want to work on.
Finally, before you wear your jeans to work, find out exactly what the rules are for dress in the workplace, especially if you're new to the office. Don't assume that just because you see other people in the office with jeans on that it's right for you or your department. Lots of office have 'casual day' once a week now, so jeans are probably best worn on these days. If you're still not sure, ask your supervisor. It's better to know exactly what to do wardrobe-wise in the office, than to show up one day in your favorite jeans and feel uncomfortable all day.

One of the three basic needs of human being is clothing. In ancient times human beings covered themselves with leaves and the bark of trees. Covering of the body developed an idea of different sexes in human mind. Basically it protects the body from winter and hot summer and variations in the season. With the development of society, clothing assumed diverse meanings. Clothes are made from different materials like jute, cotton, wool and silk. Jute and cotton are procured from plants, whereas wool form animals and silk from insects of mulberry tree. All these forms of raw material have its seasonal value. Cost and quality of clothes depends upon the origin of the cloth. Silken clothes have greater attraction for females and aristocrats. Whereas cotton is a general wear. Hand woven industry developed in plains and mountains for woolen clothes.

In due course, of time when population increased, demand of clothing also increased. Scientists discovered synthetic fiber to fulfill the demand in the form of cloth like nylon, polyester, rayon and so many other names. Clothing is a profession in itself. There is a class of people who weave clothes, other stitch clothes and still others who wash clothes. Weavers weave clothes for persons of different age, sex and social status. The colors of clothes sometimes represent the occasions to wear clothes. Stitching of clothes is done by people called tailors. They stitch clothes in different forms, varieties and designs. In modern times when sense of decorating the body has engrossed the human mind new words of clothing like dress competition and design competition and even displaying competition has emerged in the social order of living. People wear different clothes on different times in a day. They have separate dresses for the office, party and other family and social occasions. Dresses and designs have transcended human mind in family, cinema and society.

We can simply say that a sea revolution has taken place in clothing. Washer-men maintain the cleanliness and stature of the clothes. Different names are given to stitched clothes as shirts, pants, suits, coats, cardigans, vests, shervani, lehangas, dangri, appron and so on. People also wear unstitched clothes in the form of saree, dhoti, mostly in eastern countries like India. They tie their knots around their waist and spread on the shoulders.

In modern times clothing has become an art. Methods of wearing clothes indifferent ways, forms and techniques show their sense of thinking towards society, religion and culture. It also depicts the social status of a person. Some groups of people wear clothes to show their unity and identity as a class, as is seen in the schools and defense forces etc., thus, it assumes the value of unifying force in a section of the society. People wear caps of different designs and turbans in different forms, shapes, and sizes, which represents their area of living, cultural inheritance and religious feelings. Colors of clothes shows the feelings of joy, sorrow on certain occasions. So the clothing has assumed a significant in the life of human beings.

Clearly clothes have large roles to play in human life and they are indispensable part of our society!

I was doing my senior secondary and was preparing for my engineering graduation entrance test, when I was fascinated by the style of particular pants--bell-bottom! The moment I saw the style, I was very much into it and could not think of anything else for my pants!

This style was very famous in India during 1970s and 1980s, and my father and his colleagues used to wear these pants. However, the boys of my age never thought to wear that style and always wondered why I chose that style? But I had no answer but only the admiration for that style!

The passion of bell-bottom pants continued with my education and I never worn any other pants even in my engineering course. My college was very much near to the big city, Chandigarh, which is very famous in India and it was designed by a French Architect. And when I wore that style in my college, my classmates wondered much, as the fashion for that style was old and Chandigarh was very famous for new fashions. However, I maintained my stand and continued to wear those bell-bottom pants! Soon, the time changed and the fashion became a hit and many of them started wearing these bell-bottom pants, and then, nobody commented on my style.

The best thing in these bell-bottom pants is the profile of the crease of the pants that has a shape of the bell at the bottom. It is so fine and exquisite that I just love it, and if you are wearing a cotton cloth, it is perfect for the style--perhaps, nothing can match its beauty!

You're miserable! You have an awesome date planned! in 2 HOURS!!! You can't find the right look, and you want to pull your hair out. Don't sweat it, here are some great style ideas (and if the date is a real scenario! lets hope you have a mall near by!!) that I'm going to provide you with on this page. All of them created for different looks, styles, personality and moods. Are you a diva or a gothic? Either way there's great ideas that you can go by for a feel-great fashion sense.

Diva Looks - at many stores such as Rave, Vanity, etcetera you'll find those glittery oh-so breath-taking shirts that you're looking for. Glitter is usually the key, but not necessarily a must-have look. Skirts from the blue jean to fairy-cut look works great. So long that you turn heads and really accentuate on the glamorous and sassy look-at-me style, you'll be good to go! Either loose or tight shirts work great for this.

Gothic Girl - Ok! Diva?? Talk about a major puke fest! Maybe diva isn't your thing but the depressing/demonic look really strikes your fancy. This is an extremely awesome and fun look to go with. Pretty much anything black would work (so long it's not a tutu). Red, black, spiked necklaces, spider web hand warmers, fishnet tights, necklaces with crosses and skulls! I think you get the idea! There's a lot of great stores out there for this look, one of my favorites is definitely Hot Topic, be sure to check things out and let your dreary yet lively imagination go wild!

Elegant All The Way - So you want a first class rating huh? Not just classic! but gorgeous and luxurious would be the right words as well. Many silk dresses or silk shirts of different colors look truly amazing. Accent your outfits with elegant jewelry (not that cute frog necklace you got from Clair's!) and the outfit can be either loose or tight. Flowing silk, chiffon, and fabrics of the like are excellent.

Barbie - Maybe you love that blonde ditzy look! there's nothing wrong with it! What would be a good color idea for this look! hmmmm, let me think. Ah, yes! pink! Eureka! Pink, glittery, short skirts, tight shirts, high heels and such have Barbie written all over them. Totally glamorous and way cute!

Skater Girl - Yeah, yeah, yeah! anything for the skate park? Of coarse there is, how could we leave them out? Baggy pants with pockets, tight black shirts with "Sk8ter Girl" written all over it. Not all cutesy and girlie, but ready to hang with the guys type of look, and the shirts definitely don't need to be tight.

Simple Is Nice - Whoa, why does everything have to be so high strung? What about just nice and simple, casual but cool? Well! I'll tell you this one right now, GAP. Go to that store and you'll find your perfectly simple yet awesome cloths. It offers stripes, plain, khaki, denim, the whole shebang. Not only is GAP the only place to go! but Target and Old Navy are way too cool too. You can pretty much find plain and simple clothing anywhere you go. So many stores offer cloths that are awesome for that comfortable, casual and cool feel.

Dress-Up - There are so many formal styles, and there's also formal/casual, formal/funky, formal/breath-taking and formal/different. There's always that close to perfect dress out there for every girl, if not maybe TOO perfect. If you like simple, try going for a 2-3 inch strapped dress with no details on them, or maybe there's a few designs that you like. If you want to steal the show, you can go with the Cinderella ball gown or even tight sleek silk and red. Want it weird and spunky? Try a fairy-cut rainbow dress that looks tasseled and torn, or somewhere along those lines! you can be as creative as you want with this one.

There are some great and fun ideas for outfits that you will hopefully enjoy. Look around on the Internet for other options or at the mall for an update in cloths, you're bound to find what you're looking for somewhere out there. If not, at least there has to be something in close resemblance to what you had in mind! or maybe even better than you expected! Remember that when you're shopping for cloths go to the fitting room and try them on before you get them to be on the safe side! Otherwise you may end up purchasing an outfit that's 3 sizes too small or too big! There are many other looks such as fantasy, 60's, punk rock, futuristic, tom boy, out-doors, girl-next-door and so much more. Splash around with styles that you already have in your closet, maybe you can create something that you would have never thought of? Also remember that accessorizing jewelry with your cloths can really help bring out a certain look that you are going for. Good luck ladies, and have loads of fun with your new look, enjoy the ideas!

Everyone has different wardrobe needs, but there are some basics that will enhance every woman's wardrobe. Whether you are a corporate financier, technology guru or stay at home mom, check out these five must have items:

1. The little black dress: Yes, it has been said before. But, the little black dress is really a timeless piece that every woman needs. An attractive and well-cut black dress of high-quality, medium weight fabric can be dressed up or down and worn year round. A lined dress of dry cleanable fabric will hold its shape better through the years with minimal fading.

2. A pantsuit in a neutral color: A pantsuit with a classic cut is versatile and timeless. Perfect for dressing up without getting formal a pantsuit can go from office to dinner with minimal adjustments. More comfortable than a suited skirt, the pantsuit is quiet power. Consider a straight cut pantsuit in black, gray, navy or taupe for an outfit with long wear and easy accessorizing. If a matching skirt strikes your eye, by all means get it too, but you will find the pants will call you the majority of the time.

3. A crisp, collared white shirt: A collared white shirt may seem ordinary, but it as versatile as they come. Pair it with the classic pantsuit or wear it with jeans and boots for a casual outfit that can go nearly anywhere. Avoid trendy styles and opt for this necessary basic.

4. A sweater twinset: A cardigan sweater over a matching shell is the perfect layered look for casual elegance. Worn with a pencil or a-line skirt, it is all about understated elegance. Topping slacks, it has a more finished look than a simple top or sweater.

5. Comfortable jeans: The last few decades have ensured the place of jeans in fashion history. A comfortable pair of jeans is one of the most ingenious members of a woman's wardrobe. Like a good friend, they flatter and endure. When they fade, mourn their passing, but continue to wear them until their last threads disintegrate.

Let's take a moment to examine the new trends in clothing. I am referring more specifically to the trend I see in my son, who is 17, and his friends.
There are apparently certain rules to be followed when choosing clothes and this is the way I believe these rules are laid out.
First of all your pants are not to fit properly. To accomplish this, you simply take your waist size, add three or four inches, and buy the pants with that waistline. This allows you to constantly have your boxer underwear in view, and creates the unconscious habit of always stopping to hitch up your pants before they fall completely to the floor. Of course, if you can manage to keep them up in front, while letting the waistline form a semicircle under the cheeks of your buttocks, you have mastered the art of wearing pants properly.
Follow the same formula when choosing the length. The bottom of your pants leg should be in continual contact with the ground. Should they be too short to scuff on the sidewalk you should immediately a) throw them away, or b) pull them down so that more of your underwear is exposed for public view. Belts are forbidden. However, should you feel the need for some type of device to help hold your pants up, a short length of speaker wire passed through two front loops and tied in a knot is acceptable.
Secondly, the most highly regarded form of shirt is the "wife beater" undershirt. This does two things. It sets you apart as a tough guy, since you wear it regardless of the temperature outside, and it also adds in the exposure of your boxer briefs. Simply tuck the undershirt into the briefs.
Shoes should consist of a set of slippers with no backs. Hopefully you've chosen a set of furry slippers that look ridiculous. The more ridiculous the better.
Hats are never to be worn correctly. The last time I saw my son wear a baseball cap correctly he was 13 years old and actually playing baseball. Since then, all baseball caps are to be worn either at 90 degrees or completely reversed on your head. Baseball caps with obscenities written on them are greatly preferred. Do not be caught wearing a baseball cap for its intended purpose of keeping the sun out of your eyes or you will be banned from coolness forever.
Girls have a different set of rules. In the case of young ladies, pants should be worn as low cut as possible also, however unlike the boys, they should be molded to your skin. If you appear to have been dipped to the waist in denim paint you've got it about right.
Thong panties should be visible whenever you make the slightest bend. I believe the showing of boxers and thongs is akin to the mating colors of different types of birds. It's a kind of silent courting ritual that anyone over thirty is unaware of. But that's just my theory.
A girl's top should also be as tight as possible. They should be high cut to expose as much belly as possible, regardless of whether the young lady has been blessed with abdominal fitness or not.
I look at these trends and laugh. Every generation has its thing. I can remember my father laughing about bell bottoms, fringed vests, and long hair. In fact, when I look back at pictures of myself in those days, I laugh too. I think I'll get my camera out and take a few pictures of my son and his friends. Twenty years from now he'll probably be able to use a good laugh.

It may be traditional to get married in a wedding gown, but wedding dress trends are usually on the cutting edge of style. This year's dress designs span the classic spirit and sensual avant-garde.

All that glitters is not gold.
Shimmering, sparkling jewel accents are hot on this year's wedding runways. Gemstones encrust shoulders, straps and waistbands or are scattered or strewn across bodices. Jewels are also showing up as decorative accents with custom brooches and dress fitting and on accessories such as shoes and bags.

Gossamer weddings.
Super sheer fabrics are very popular in bridal attire this year, draping women in lightweight, flowing designs. A style to fit any form is available in silky chiffons, floating gauzes, and shimmering organzas. Layer sheers over more opaque satins and silks or top them with lace.

Something old.
Vintage style is making a comeback as classic lines from the 1920s and 1940s are showing up on brides. Simple and traditional forms such as the strapless a-line and empire waist sheaths are popular but including modern touches such as beading, sequins, marabou, or lace.

I may not have a closet full of shoes to rival Imelda Marcos, but I certainly have empathy for her. I love shoes.

Shoes are one of the easiest and most satisfying fashion accessories. A fun pair of shoes can change an outfit from classic to flirty in the instant it takes to strap them on. Shoes are usually well made and meant to cosset the feet. They come in every color and style imaginable, so there is a pair of shoes for every mood.

Shoes always fit. On a "fat" day, I hate to shop for clothing and don't even mention the word swimsuit in my hearing. But, I can always shop for shoes. With the possible exception of the tail end of my pregnancy, my shoes have always fit. And, even when I need a pedicure a pair of nylons or a foray for closed toe shoes only will hide all of my sins.

The best way to add spark to an outfit is with a great pair of shoes. Just try it.

Finally, the cold weather is starting to melt away and we are seeing the first rays of sunshine in months. It is nearly time to pack away the heavy sweaters and blue jeans, and make room in your closet for spring and summer clothing. This spring, there are a few trends that have made their way into the runway, and should make their way into your wardrobe.
The first trend we will see once the cold fades away is bohemian style clothing. These clothes are very colorful and flowy, made with a variety of comfortable fabrics that are easy and fun to wear. Vibrant hues of yellows, turquoises and pinks as well as beading and patterns are the essential elements to this hippie chic style. You can dress up these items with funky necklaces and chunky bracelets, or dress them down with a casual pair of flip-flops.
If your fashion taste is not quite bold enough to embrace the colors and styles of the bohemian style clothing, do not worry. Other up and coming trends this spring are floral prints and khakis. Sweet full floral skirts, blazers and sundresses make for a simple and classy summery look. Or, if flowers are not your thing, look for all styles of jackets and pants in khaki.
Finally, with all of these lovely new items you may want to think about what exactly you will be wearing on your feet. In spring and summer, flip-flops are always an easy and comfortable way to pull an outfit together. But, for dressier occasions, wedge sandals are the footwear of choice for this summer. Find a fun shade or pattern of these sandals that conveys your personality and look stylish and chic this spring.
Spring is a time to relax and celebrate saying goodbye to cold and snow, and hello to the sunshine. Your clothes should be fun and carefree, so look for these new trends and you will be dressed to impress!

Most men tend to get bored very quickly when the subject of women's clothes comes up for discussion. Most men would not even give too much attention to detail when it comes to their very own dress code. Well, if most of them had the information that I am about to reveal, things would be very different.

Women will also gain valuable knowledge on how to use their clothes to attract men and a possible life partner more easily, almost effortlessly.

The first thing we must understand and appreciate is that gender signals operate on a subconscious level that has been passed down from our ancestors over thousands of years. For example if you try and imagine how life was when our ancestors were nothing more than savages living inside caves you will understand more clearly and vividly what attracts women to men.

In those days if two men fancied a woman they wouldn't say a word to her instead they would go for each other in a fight to the death. The winner would get the girl. Probably club her on the head, sling her over his shoulder and carry her to his cave, for dramatic effect. Or maybe drag her by the hair on the ground to his cave. Sorry for the
gory details but I wanted to create a vivid picture on your mind.

The result was that women almost always preferred the stronger man, one that they were sure would provide protection and that they would feel secure with. One who was also strong enough to be a good hunter
so that she would never lack food.

Easy to understand because the next man whose eye she caught would naturally challenge her husband to a duel to death. Imagine the trouble attractive women caused in those days! Still do to this day.

Now today we are all civilized and we no longer live in caves or have to hit somebody on the head because of a woman, but actually very little has changed.

An attractive man for a woman still has to be the stronger one. One who can Comfortably provide for her and give her sense of security. Brute strength in men is still a turn on for some women but the most important attraction is
financial stability - that is the brute force or strength of modern man.

This means that expensive stylish clothes (implying power in the wallet) will always attract a woman more easily than good looks dressed in rugs or cheap clothes.

At least when it comes to what attracts men to women; things are a lot more clear and straight forward. For men it is forever in the eyes and not the heart or mind. Men are visual beings and the first thing they tend to see is the physical beauty of a woman.

If we were to go back to the cave scene again, our cave ancestors looking at a woman would be thinking of the possibility that the woman could carry his genes. Nothing seems to have changed here. Most experts in these matters say that a woman's body seems to have been created as sexual signaling antennae for men. Ever wondered why the legs have always been a major focus for clothes designers? Slits, short skirts and so on? Well here is the answer. The legs are a major sexual attraction to men. When a girl reaches puberty, her legs grow longer almost like a sign that she is now on the verge of being ready for mating. Teenage girls seem to instinctively sense this and will tend to start wearing high heels and very short skirts to make their legs seem even longer. The teenagers are usually reacting the same way older women react later in life. For example research has clearly shown that women tend to unconsciously select more revealing dresses and higher heels during their ovulating/menstrual cycle.

Men are suckers for long legs, the longer the better because they seem to attract more attention higher up. Those fashion designers don't miss a trick do they?

Men love women's breasts, no matter what size. So don't kill yourself going through those painful breast enhancement operations. A good low cut top is enough to get the poor man a little hot under the collar.

Science has much to do with the clothes and you can not spare the two! Back from the days of inventing the yawn mill upto Nanotechnology, these are interrelated. It is much known fact and an interesting question for the children that why buffaloes like to bathe in ponds and not the white cows? The answer is that buffaloes are black and therefore their flesh gets more heated due to the sunrays while cows are white, and therefore, they feel the heat less. And this fundamental of Physics is also applied to the selection of clothes, as during winter season, people like to wear dark color clothing and in summers, they like to wear light colors. Colors and clothing has a long relationship and when color and light is involved, science has its hand in it.

Nanotechnology is gaining popularity, as scientists are speculating that it can help in producing the clothes that will never be dirty, and there will be no need to wash or clean them. This sounds very interesting and astonishing but the fact remains to be seen, as there are so many things that this Nanotechnology promises, but people hardly believe it! But it is for sure that clothing industry is surely going to be benefited by the advent of Nanotechnology.