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15 Unfashionable Items to Purge From Your Closet NOW

It’s gift-giving once again. You’d surely pile up more stuff once more. Make room for the new stuff by cleaning out your closet. Literally! Having a hard time deciding which stuff to keep and throw. Here’s a simple list.

1) Stained shirts

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All stained clothes must not be worn anymore especially those sweat-stained shirts. You’d definitely agree with me that sweat stains are an eye sore. No one wants to be seen wearing any of these shirts.

2) Laddered tights

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Unless it is purposely ripped, you should not be wearing it. Let’s admit it, but it is really embarrassing when someone points out to you that you are wearing ripped tights especially if you are wearing a formal or office attire.

3) Old shoes

Shoes, especially those that have seen the best of better days, must be thrown away now. They’ll no longer add value to your attire. And, those shoes are so yesterday.

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4) Unkempt bras

Brassieres that no longer stay up the way they should be discarded as well. Again, they can ruin an otherwise attractive, smooth-flowing attire. Unkempt bras or those bras with loose straps are often very visible despite being underneath the top or dress.

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5) Pilling shirts

Pilling shirts and sweat shirts that are beyond quick fixes and DIY solutions should be ditched as well. It would only be a waste of time shaving off the pilling. Better yet, when you see your clothes started to pill, address the problem immediately. Don’t wait for the problem to escalate into a bigger problem before you start looking for a solution.

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6) Cheap pieces of jewelry

Blame it on your acidity level, but cheap (low-quality, not inexpensive that is) pieces of jewelry can turn your skin green. Not so good to look at definitely! And please, refrain from buying low-grade pieces of jewelry.

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7) Too tight jeans

Got a pair of jeans you bought from a wholesale clothing online store that you can no longer wear? These are the pair of jeans that took you forever to slip on and even if you do, you are seeing bulges in very specific places such as your mid-part. Save yourself from the headache; make some money selling them to your friends.

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8) See through tops

Displaying too much skin is okay on editorials and runways (even this is arguable), but seeing women wear tops that leave nothing to the imagination on the streets is awkward. Put simply, it is difficult to find an occasion or venue to wear see through shirts.

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9) Worn hats

Again, if you got worn, tired hats especially those you use during the younger years, maybe it is high time to get rid of them. Not all of us can pull off wearing a fedora hat, so give it up.

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10) Smelly clothes

Any clothes that have a smell that wouldn’t go away after washing it several times must be thrown away as well. Again, it is not worth every penny spent on cleaning them. And you don’t want to be the ‘culprit’ all the time if you know what I mean.

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11) Old scarves

Old scarves that can no longer be re-purposed should go to the bin. Some scarves look so outdated that you can no longer wear them. Thus, just throw them or give them to other people who may use it for their DIY projects.

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12) Ill-fitting skirts

Skirts that leave you are constantly pulling on the hemline just so they stay in place are no good either. Just let them go, will you?

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13) “Clingy” leggings

Wearing leggings that cling too much on the vajayjay are the biggest fashion no-nos. Don’t let yourself get caught wearing this. There is a certain top length requirement when wearing a pair of leggings. Learn about it.

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14) “Interview” pants

All those smart casual attires you hoard when finding your first job must go now, too. You won’t be wearing them anytime soon, or you might not be wearing them at all. So, just discard them.

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15) Counterfeit handbags

Do yourself a favor. With fashion so cheap, you aren’t fooling anyone. Just throw it away if it screams, “I’m a fake! I’m a fake!” Why did you buy it in the first place? Now, that’s really something debatable.

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Further, there are basic rules for purging.

If it’s too big or loose on you, purge it.
If it’s too tight on you, purge it.
If it fits poorly, purge it.
If it looks unflattering on you, purge it.
If it is outdated, purge it.
If the colors are bad on you, purge it.
If you no longer like it, purge it.
If it belongs to somebody else, was never reclaimed and cannot be used in any way, purge it.
If it is good for clubbing, you aren’t clubbing anymore, purge it.
If it is made from crappy materials, purge it.
If it only causes itchiness, purge it.
If it is a party dress in the 90s, purge it.
If it screams of wear and tear, purge it.
If it hurts wearing it, purge it.

Purge, purge, purge. It’s no use keeping an item that you are not going to use anymore or is no longer relevant to your fashion sense or fashion in general. And hey, did we mention that it is the season of giving. So, why don’t you just group those that need tossing away and those that can be used by others. A charity, perhaps? If it’s its time to go, then just let it go.

Men, Listen Up! Here’s How to Dress for the Holidays

It’s Yuletide once again. It’s high time to drop your Dnine Reserve for a while in exchange for a more season-appropriate clothing. The holidays are the perfect occasions that are made extra special by how people are dressed, and that includes the men. No ifs, no buts, no excuses.

Below are some tips on how you should go about dressing to impress around the Thanksgiving table.

1) Know the dress code

There is nothing more awkward than going to the company Christmas party in ripped jeans. And, of course, going to the party looking like a Christmas catastrophe is not such a good idea either. You are mingling with the boss and other company who’s who. If you are not sure that to wear, better ask your officemates what they are wearing.

2) Go for the basics

If you are still in doubt, go for a smart casual attire. Wear a black pants and mix it with a colored, collared top. Wear the colors of Christmas such as a red collared polo shirt. Steer clear from overly Christmas outfits or those dresses you only see on worst Christmastime dresses list.

3) Just KISS

Keep it simple, stupid! This cliché really works. Put it this way. If you would [secretly or blatantly] laugh seeing that outfit on another person, then don’t wear it. Likewise, don’t be that person that everybody would love to call the Grinch after the holidays.

If all else fails, the Art of Manliness publishes a 60-second guide on how a man should dress for the holidays. See below.

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The Art of Manliness also offers holiday dressing tips for the men, as outlined by Antonio Centeno of ATailoredSuit.com.

Layer

Men must know how to overlap cotton and wool in the most appropriate manner. Generally, the Christmas season is chilly so you must know how to wear the right clothes. When we say the right clothes, these should not cause any overheating while allowing the skin to breathe.

Cotton must be worn closer to your body because the fabric is lightweight and breathable. Wool, on the other hand, must be worn outside due to its heat-retaining properties. It could be a jacket, sweater or overcoat. While cotton passes both heat and moisture, wool absorbs moisture. So, this means you can wear wool socks and knitted wool or cashmere hat.

If it gets too cold outside, which it will surely does, make sure that you are wearing 100% cotton underwear, a dress shirt, wool trousers, wool jacket and wool overcoat. Now, if it gets too hot, you may simply un-layer.

Overcoat

A man needs to invest in an overcoat, too. An overcoat is not a luxury, contrary to what most men think. It is an essential, and not to mention, this is the first, last and only thing that other people would see you wearing. Also, you will only need one overcoat, so it is really wiser to invest in an overcoat with the best fit.

When buying an overcoat, the fit is the most important factor to consider. While it is an overcoat, it should not look and feel loose. Choose the overcoat that complement your built. Next, make sure that the sleeve has the right length wherein it should cover your shirt cuffs and jacket, but never your hands.

When wearing an overcoat, make sure there are other elements to complement it such as a knitted hat, wool scarf or leather gloves.

Jacket

The majority of the holiday parties doesn’t necessarily required the male attendees to wear a suit. However, again, it is outrightly gawky to go to a dressy event in sweats. A blazer or a jacket will do and just simply match it with a button-down shirt unless the dress code include the word ‘tie.’

Trousers

Dark trousers or pair of jeans are almost always appropriate for the season. Rare are those who wear khakis; perhaps because of the nature of parties. Khakis can easily get dirty during luncheon or dinner and the dirt is so obvious everyone will keep on staring at the wrong places.

Handkerchief

Carrying a white handkerchief in the back pocket of your pants never gets out of style. And, it’s an inexpensive habit at that. Also, a hanky always comes handy in case of a potentially embarrassing situation involving you, a lady, a child or even a fellow man. So, keep a hanky handy.

Dressing to the occasion is taken a bit more seriously during the holiday season. So, man up and dress your part. Just refer to the illustration if you are a bit lost on what you should wear and when exactly.

15 of the Most Beautiful and Expensive Diamond Engagement Rings

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. And oh boy, these girls’ best friends are H-U-G-E and expensive at that!

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According to Nissan Perla, a gemstone veteran and founder of Olympic Diamond, a wholesale diamond trading company, Hollywood celebrities wear a bling not just for show. Instead, their motivation is completely different – investment! Here are some of the most beautiful (and most expensive) diamond engagement rings in recent memory. Whether the investment is worth it warrants another article, though.

Our Love Affairs in Pairs

Why Women Can’t Live Without Shoes

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From Cinderella to Carrie Bradshaw, it was proven time and again that women love ’em some shoes. Oh well, some is an understatement. Some women have a legion of shoes ready to defend them when the why-buy-too-many-shoes argument arises. Did you know there are compelling scientific explanations behind our love affair with shoes? Read on.

 

The natural high

According to Martin Lindstrom, author of Buyology: Truth and Lies About Why We Buy, trying a pair of shoes on boosts our mood triggered by the release of dopamine. Dopamine, which is also dubbed as the ‘happy hormone,’ provides any person with the feel-good high. The kind of high that people get when taking a drug. Dopamine gradually increases and builds upon the excitement until you finally made a purchase. Afterward, the high will flat-line.

For purchases other than shoes, some of us may feel guilty about the purchase. However, we tend to rationalize shoe buying as a practical buy regardless of its price, so we usually don’t feel guilty about it. After all, we can use it several times a week until it wears out or gets damaged. And, we get another set of high when we pair our new shoes with a new dress, for instance.

Lindstrom also claims that dopamine is not the only thing at work when buying a pair of shoes. Humans have ingrained ‘hoarding behavior.’ Thus, buying shoes stimulates the pre-frontal cortex area of our brain. Such area is also known as the collecting spot (or C-spot). Shoe shopping makes us happy, so we keep on buying them or collecting them in essence, according to Suzanne Ferriss, editor of Footnotes: On Shoes.

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The high in the high

Shoes may cost a fortune, but we still buy it. Money, or our ability to buy, is not the sole reason why we become happy after shopping for a new pair of shoes. The shoes itself conveys a kind of bliss that only shoes can give us and nothing else.

Shoes often have more advantages than clothes. Anyone can wear the shoes that he or she wants. Anyone can buy the shoes that he or she wants from Steve Madden to Manolo Blahnik. We are all capable of owning one. Thankfully, even owning luxury shoes is no longer a privilege shared by Hollywood A-listers, IT-girls, socialites, heiresses, etc. The pleasures of the elite are now the leading trends of the mass.

We are now carving intimate relationships with shoes that we ourselves are not sure when it started. Some experts say that such a relationship begins as soon as we learn to walk. When we were young, although you might not remember it, our natural high is feeling all grown up. What do we do? We try our mother’s clothes, lipstick and, of course, shoes. For our young self, this is what womanhood feels like.

Forward to the day when we start asserting ourselves. What better way to proclaim your independence than buying your very first pair of shoes with the money that you saved or worked hard for. Eventually, our shoes speak for us at any given time.

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Now, let me give you the eight rules for happy feet.

1) Buy a pair of shoes that is a half-size bigger. Comfort is intrinsical to elegance. That’s according to Audrey Hepburn.

2) Measure your feet. They won’t be in the same size 5 or 10 years from now. They get longer and wider.

3) Buy shoes in the evening, not in the morning. Feet are at their biggest during nighttime.

4) Don’t wear the same shoes every day. Change daily so the shoes won’t lose shape sooner than expected.

5) Walk around barefoot whenever the opportunity knocks.

6) Massage the feet after a prolonged wearing of high heels.

7) Check for small deformations especially the genetically acquired. These are completely preventable.

8) Accept and love your feet. Pamper them with great care.

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To lighten things a bit, here’s a collection of the best shoe quotes ever from the self-proclaimed shoe addicts themselves.

I still have my feet on the ground, I just wear better shoes. -Oprah Winfrey

To wear dreams on one’s feet is to begin to give a reality to one’s dreams. -Roger Vivier

Craziness in a shoe is great – you can have much more freedom, you can exaggerate and it doesn’t feel stupid. -Miuccia Prada

Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world. -Marilyn Monroe

A woman with good shoes is never ugly. -Coco Chanel

You can never take too much care over the choice of your shoes. Too many women think that they are unimportant, but the real proof of an elegant woman is what is on he feet. -Christian Dior

I can’t concentrate in flats. -Victoria Beckham

I see a pair of shoes I adore, and it doesn’t matter if they have them in my size. I buy them anyway. -Keira Knightley

How can you live the high life if you do not wear the high heels? -Sonia Rykiel

As a child, I trained myself to dance in very high heels. At 13, in Destiny’s Child, we were told to wear heels, but at first we couldn’t walk in them. We couldn’t keep our knees straight, but we learned. -Beyoncé

I would hate for someone to look at my shoes and say, “Oh my God! They look so comfortable! -Christian Louboutin

I actually have more shoes than anyone will ever know. -Tamara Mellon

If your hair is done properly and you’re wearing good shoes, you can get away with anything. -Iris Apfel

Nicki Minaj has a better booty, but I have better shoes. -Rihanna

Keep your head, heels and standards high. -Lola Stark

I can be naked as long as I’m wearing the right pair of shoes. -Anna Dello Russo

The average woman falls in love seven times a year. Only six are with shoes. -Kenneth Cole

Shoes must have very high heels and platforms to put women’s beauty on a pedestal. -Vivienne Westwood

Men tell me that I’ve saved their marriages. It costs them a fortune in shoes, but it’s cheaper than a divorce. -Manolo Blahnik

To me, shoes are like pizza: There is no bad shoe. -Kelly Ripa

I can be in the dumps of dumpsters and go buy a new pair of shoes, and then it’s okay. Even if it’s just for the time being, for that moment it’s what I need. -Britney Spears

I own one pair of Prada shoes. They make my feet hurt … It’s not the shoes’ fault; they are exquisitely made. I blame my feet. I’ve got my mother’s feet. -Meryl Streep

My name is Sarah Jessica, and I own well over 100 pairs of Manolo Blahniks. -Sarah Jessica Parker

My mom would take me to restaurants, and the first thing I’d ask for would be a pen and a napkin, and I’d sketch shoes and shoes and shoes. -Alexander Wang

If I’m going dancing, then I wear the highest heels with the shortest dress. -Kate Moss

Oh yes, I love to do shoes. I’m not a fetishist, but I love to do shoes. -Karl Lagerfeld

I definitely spend the most money on shoes, partly because vintage footwear can be a little funky – in a bad way. I like to keep things pretty simple up top and then go weird with the shoes. -Chloe Sevigny

A woman can carry a bag, but it is the shoe that carries the woman. -Christian Louboutin

Always wear high heels. Yes, they give you power. You move differently, sit differently, and even speak differently. -Carine Roitfeld

My shoes are special shoes for discerning feet. -Manolo Blahnik

Life is short, your heels shouldn’t be! -Brian Atwood

I don’t know who invented high heels, but all women owe him a lot. -Marilyn Monroe

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Cosmopolitan | NY Daily News | WhoWhatWear | Vogue | Marie Claire

How to Dress in Denim Jeans in Formal Settings

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Ah, denim. A precious piece of clothing that has surpassed the test of time; it remained to be consistently trendy and fashionable throughout the years. After all, who among us does not own at least a pair of jeans? They are comfortable and when tastefully paired with other pieces of clothing, you can pull off a truly stylish and chic look.

However, over the years, denim has seen major overhauls and revamps to make it look more modern and quirky. What used to be a garment utilized mainly for skirts or a pair of pants and shorts had made its way to being a fabric utilized for tops making denim not only fabulously trendy, but very versatile as well.

Denim jeans are what we would all consider as go-to outfits, one we can reach for any time we are feeling lazy.
Denim jeans are also known for their comfort and timeless look which makes it the perfect staple of clothing for everyone. The denim pair of jeans, being the number one fundamental article clothing for any person out there, is a classic apparel that’s very indispensable.

This is precisely why denim jeans, at this point of time, can work on any setting. Yes, you read that absolutely right! Dressing up in denim jeans is quite possible and you can pull off the look even in posh and lavish affairs. This is even an outfit you can wear in going to a fancy formal dinner. The rules may seem slightly altered considering the theme of a certain affair. Nonetheless, showing up to a swanky soiree in denim jeans is something you can do.
Planning to go casual yet elegant on your next grand luxurious affair? Then look no further and let this article help you. It offers you tips and hints on how to make what would otherwise be a drab and boring looking pair of denim jeans into something that would look very much at home while in a posh party.

FASHION TIP NO.1: ADD A FANCY BELT

Who does not love a nice-looking belt? Not only will it emphasize your waist and make your curves more accentuated, but it will make your overall outfit look better simply with the addition of this accessory. Belts are not only for holding your denim jeans up. They are also used to give people the impression that you wanted a touch of glam to your outfit most especially if your belt looks stylish and elegant.

PRO TIP: Adding a luxe belt on a tucked in shirt will make what others would regard as an unfashionable attire look more elegant. Be sure to steer away from too much metal and glitter. It would only make you look like you stepped out of a country music video. Go for something a little more upscale, one that is a bit polished with a metal buckle.

FASHION TIP NO.2: WEAR A BLAZER OR A SILK SCARF

Blazers would make a casual outfit into something that could pass on for formal and corporate settings. Even something as simple as the addition of a fitted blazer would make you look ready for a job interview granted that the type of blazer you donned is collared and tailored fit. Scarves, on the other hand, would bring a dash of color to your overall outfit and make you look visually appealing.

PRO TIP: Combine both a well-tailored blazer and a printed silk scarf looped casually on your neck for maximum effect. This will make you look chic enough for the lavish affair at the same time it will bring color and fun to your overall outfit.

FASHION TIP NO.3: CARRY A STATEMENT HANDBAG

Perhaps not a very well-known fashion tip but handbags or bags, in general, are an important part of your outfits. They bring attention to your overall look as well. Though what may be seen as a diversionary tactic rather than as an actual manner of dressing up, choosing the right bag for your outfit will work wonders for you.

PRO TIP: Look for a bag that complements the entirety of your outfit. If the bag commands the most attention (e.g. one with loud and patterned prints and colors) choose a subdued outfit for contrast otherwise the styles and patterns will clash.

FASHION TIP NO. 4: KEEP THE TEXTURES AND PATTERNS NEUTRAL

Muted tones make your look more appealing and easy to look at. In contrast, loud colors will make you rather easy to spot aside from being ‘noisy’ on the eyes. Additionally, for formal affairs, muted and neutral tones would work best to your advantage as wearing casual denim jeans to a formal occasion is already a bold statement itself. Do not overdo it.

PRO TIP: Draw attention to your jeans by using subdued and muted tones for the rest of your outfit. Wear a minimalist palette such as black, beige, brown, gray, navy and white. Also, keep in mind that denim is not the best textile to pair with sequins, animal prints or feathers when your dress code strictly says formal and elegant. Remember, you are going to an elegant soiree not to a night out in a club.

FASHION TIP NO. 5: STICK TO THE CLASSIC DENIM JEANS; AVOID DISTRESSED RIPPED ONES

Ripped denim jeans are in style and are extremely trendy right now. Almost every other person you meet on the street is sporting a pair. Though they look fun and chic, breaking them out on your next formal party is not such a wise idea. Save those denim jeans for a concert or summer garden affair instead.

PRO TIP: Stick to the classic cut of jeans and try a form-fitting pair. You can have fun in experimenting with the hues, opting for a deeper shade of indigo, a rich color like forest green to make your pair of jeans more at home at a formal party.

We have come a long way since the invention of denim jeans. And we have found ways to dress them up to suit almost every occasion there is. For your next formal event, bring out your best-looking pair of denim jeans and strut your stuff utilizing the tips the article has given you. Remember, jeans will never look out of place if the wearer knows how to take advantage of its versatility.

7 Important Lessons Learned from a Fashion Expert

Can you tell wants on your mind whenever you do styles on your outfits? Can you determine what’s in and what’s not? You might have heard and/or know a little bit of fashion and tried doing it on your own. But, are you sure you’re doing the right thing without compromising its sense of style? Yes, doing fashion may sometimes be demanding on our end, especially when we don’t know anything about doing the right fashion that suits our lifestyle. Well, buying fashionable clothes from wholesale clothing is also a good idea for more chooses to make.

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Sometimes, certain clothes in our closet might seem just a little bit worn out. Who would want to wear faded clothes, or even clothes that are already not fit for you anymore? Even you too can feel tired wearing those clothes without any life at all. Well, if you want to do some refreshments when it comes to your fashion senses, then you might as well try to seek help from the fashion experts.

It sure won’t hurt you when somebody will tell you that you are a fashion terrorist, for as long as you are willing to change for the better. The change might be different for you, but styles will come out from you eventually. Well, if you are still stuck wondering what the ins and outs of fashion, then here are some important lessons you can learn from a fashion expert. Mind you, these lessons might change the way you look and your approach towards fashion.

1. Trends are not worth stressing about

Some of you here might be obsessed about following what’s new and trendy. Always remember that the trend cycle is so fast that there is nothing that is ever “in” or “out” for that long. The style of clothes might be popular and trendy for a couple of months, then gone the next month. The trend doesn’t stay for so long, certainly not worth your time stressing about.

Following the trend is not a bad thing at all. However, it doesn’t mean that you are going loco if you don’t have that kind of style. Moreover, there are a lot and various fashion stores that are available for you to choose from. Of course, it is up to you to make an effort finding the right clothing and style for your outfit.

2. Your “body type” does not dictate what trends look good on you

Although it might be true that your body type also matters when it comes to choosing the right outfit for you, however, this is not always be the case when it comes to fashion. Well, if the fit, proportion, and styling are on point, then it doesn’t matter what size or shape your body is. You definitely can still pull off the right fashion without even worrying about the type of body that you have.

Also, you have to stop assuming that those mid skirts, crop tops, wide-leg pants, maxi dresses and/or any other trendy styles are only good for someone who is tall and/or skinny women. You can definitely wear those kinds of clothes even if you are a plus size. Well, you just have to make sure that you wear it properly for you to look good on it.

3.  Confidence – plus polish – really can sell any outfit

It is a big yes that the kind of style that you choose for your outfit can achieve whatever fashion that you want to do. However, if you don’t have any confidence in wearing it at all, then it might be useless, since you cannot pull off the total package of the desirable outcome. Even when you wear a beautiful dress, if you don’t look satisfied and pleased at all, then it is still not going to look good on you generally.

When it comes to fashion, the style of clothes that you should wear is not just the only thing that you have to consider. Your smile, poise and the attitude towards your dress should also matter. Well, take time to think whether the clothes that you choose can give you some smiles, and if not, you better change and find a new one.

4. People will only know your clothes is cheap if you tell them

In fashion, it doesn’t matter how expensive or cheap your clothes are, for as long as it is nice and stylish enough for you to proudly wear it. Of course, people will definitely not know whether you bought your clothes at the flea market and how cheap it is, unless you tell them all the details on how you got those clothes. There will always be surprises when they know that you had bought it in an affordable price without compromising its style and quality of the clothes.

5. Logos and other prominent branding will cheapen a look more often than not

One of the most common behaviour of some people, if not all, they tend to choose signature brands over real fashion. Perhaps they think that whenever they got an expensive brand, they are already doing fashion, when in fact they end up looking like a walking advertisement. Well, definitely a no-no. Like having your clothes cheap or not, people cannot identify which brand that you have, unless you intend to flaunt it to them. Wearing of fashionable clothes and/or any other products should not be some sort of a status symbol, you wear stylish clothes because you love to wear them and it shows of what and who you are.

6. Shopping is not the answer

Successful people who can pull of real fashion are not dependent on shopping. Although shopping is one way to have the clothes that you want to wear, however, you can definitely have stylish clothes without even spending too much of your money.  You can have pretty clothes out of your old and used clothes by doing DIY hacks and improvising it the way you wanted it to look like. Well, it is a good idea when you are on a tight budget yet you still want to look fashionable in any other possible ways.

7.  You can completely change the way people see you by changing the way you dress

We all know that dressing up speaks of what and who you are. Well, if you think that your previous fashion style demerits the overall package of your personality, then you better think again about how you dress yourself up. Of course, we cannot avoid judgemental people around us and judge us based on how we look. People might see you as a sloppy and unorganized person since perhaps, you dress like one.

Yes. We don’t care what they think about us, since they don’t know who we really are. But it also doesn’t mean that you are going to continue dressing up like a sloppy and unorganized person. You always have to remember that people will definitely change the way they treat and look at you if you know the ins and outs in the fashion world.

All You Need to Know About Prints and Patterns: Mixing and Matching

 

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“See you in thirty minutes?”

 

You stared at your phone as you mentally rehashed today’s picnic party with your friends.

 

It was a bright Sunday outside. You were feeling excessively great and energetic. A picnic party out in the local park is a surefire way to get things rolling and under way.

 

But it was a themed picnic party, the invitation said as much: Strictly printed and patterned clothes.

 

Well, if anything, it would give you an opportunity to wear the patterned top you bought over the weekend.

 

You saunter over to your wardrobe and take a peek. However, as you do, your optimistic demeanor dampened, and you feel somewhat dejected.

 

You look over your collection of plains, prints, and patterns of apparel and it suddenly dawned on you: You have absolutely no idea how to match these outfits.

 

 

Sounds like a dilemma right? However, prints and patterns are not as difficult to dress up and mix up if you only know the basics. Dressing up in patterns is one of the great ways to add dimension, visual interest and texture to your overall look. If you are lost as to how to begin, this article will give you a helping hand.

 

PATTERN PROFILES

 

When purchasing an apparel, this is a brief overview of the different patterns you are likely to encounter. It is important to familiarize yourself with them so that it would be easier for you to distinguish one from the other. Although this is a comprehensive list, it does not necessarily include all the existing patterns in apparel, just the common ones.

 

First Pattern: STRIPE

 

 

 

This pattern comes in various scales from thin pinstripes to the wide stripes you find in ties. This pattern is extremely versatile. It can be easily worn with other patterns and goes with every solid color there is.

 

Second Pattern: PLAID

Plaid has many diverse styles and they usually come with different names. However, for the sake of better comprehension, let’s just go with plaid. There are various plaid scales and these are typically more vibrant and busy owing to the touch of color plus the pattern itself. Use this sparingly; one plaid item per outfit is best.

 

Third Pattern: PAISLEY

 

Another interesting pattern considering the noise it creates with its very diverse and playful shape and pattern. It usually commands the entire outfit for its sheer amount of visual attention. While it is usually found in handkerchiefs, it  is great seeing in ties and shirts.

 

As paisley is such a noisy and busy pattern, it would be wise to stick to solid colors for the rest of your outfit. Most patterned themes will clash with paisley. So while wearing this pattern, it is best to choose a more subdued hue for your outfit.

 

Fourth Pattern: HOUNDSTOOTH

One of the more subdued and muted patterns is houndstooth. It is easily visible anywhere and everywhere – from shirts, ties, skirts and even suits. Like stripes, houndstooth comes in very diverse scales. However, the smaller the scale, the better your chances are of having a nice texture to a garment.

 

As houndstooth is relatively monochromatic and subdued, you can wear it from head to toe if you know how to pull it off.

 

Fifth Pattern: DOT

 

One of the most versatile patterns considering the array of different scales available. They can come in powdery small dots to extremely large noticeable polka dots.

 

With this pattern, you can achieve diverse looks all depending on the contrast between your garment and the dot pattern. If you are hoping for a more refined look that does not draw too much attention on you as the wearer, the smaller scale dots will work to your favor. It is great for shirts and ties.

 

Sixth Pattern:  GINGHAM

 

More commonly known as the check pattern, this comes in many different sizes from mini to large scale. It usually comes in one color and is muted so mixing it up with solid colors and plains would prove to be easy.

 

Seventh Pattern:  HERRINGBONE

 

Of all the patterns, herringbone remains to be the most low key. It is commonly found in shirts, ties, and suits and is mostly found in wool fabrics. The way the fabric is woven is how it gets its unique pattern. It comes in diverse scales but are usually small in scale and tonal in suits and shirts, making it easy to wear with other apparel in bolder colors and patterns.

 

SO HOW DO YOU INCORPORATE THESE PATTERNS INTO YOUR WARDROBE?

 

Starting simple is key. Put together an outfit that looks sleek and well-chosen. Do not simply combine patterns of varying scales and colors with each other. More often than not, it will clash and you would only look ridiculous instead of fashionable.

 

Some points to consider are:

 

Scale sizes: Always take into consideration that the smaller the patterns are, the easier it will be to pair with other patterns and vivid colors. The bigger patterns often command the outfit and can stand very well on their own. Should you overwhelm your outfit with more patterns, it’ll only look busy – and irritatingly busy at that.

 

Color: Learn to play with color and learn which matches with which before deciding on what complements your outfit.

 

Lastly, you should draw attention to the pattern by making it your outfit’s main focus. Should you be wearing a printed scarf or a patterned blouse, let either of that be the ONLY visually attention-grabbing article of clothing on your body. In other words, do not try to incorporate too many patterns in one outfit.

 

To go about this with ease, start with your shirt and make that your base. This should help you determine how you utilize the other patterns. If your shirt is a solid color, then you should find a tie in minor colors of that solid color.

 

Should your shirt be patterned in a small scale, you can wear a bold patterned tie to bring contrast with the muted pattern of your shirt. However, the rest of your outfit should remain neutral. If your shirt pattern is large scale, simply do the opposite to balance the outfit out.

 

Smaller Patterns to Gradually Bigger Patterns

 

This is essential. You need to start with the smaller patterns and work your way up in color, scale, complexity, and intensity. Work multiple patterns together to your advantage by starting with your bases (your shirt) in a smaller scale. After which, you can layer with interesting patterns and striking colors.

 

By utilizing patterns in your overall outfit, you are adding a level of complexity to your look. With this, you have a lot to consider instead of just the color. The pattern and the scale go into play as well. When you harmonize the color with the pattern, it is important to keep in mind these two things. To have a clearer example, we will utilize the shirt and tie combo.

 

  • Note the tie pattern’s minor color and have that match with the most striking color of the shirt. To get a more polished look, do not match the color as is. Instead, have them complement each other.
  • The most prominent color of your outfit should match or at least complement your tie pattern’s most prominent color.

 

In sum…

 

Bold patterns and hues may look intimidating to match. And though there are a lot of different points to consider in what goes with what and what does not, it is still imperative to know what looks best for you. With practice, you will develop a keen eye for an outfit that would look sleek and put together. However, if you need further tips to polish your outfit, here are some tips from a different blog that will assist you in looking fabulous.

 

Also, the main point to consider and keep in mind is to start small by adding a pattern to one piece. For the rest of the outfit, keep everything else a solid color. The more you do this, the better you will be at mixing and matching and before long, you will be experimenting with different styles, patterns, and colors!

 

 

 

 

 

Mix & Match Challenge: 7 Tips for Mixing Prints

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One of the trickiest and most intimidating things to do when it comes to style is mixing and matching patterns and textures of your outfit. However, it can also be fun and overwhelming especially when you got the right and perfect clothes to match. This is a fabulous way to give your outfit a personal approach which may also bring an unexpected fashion twist.

The basic rule when you mix and match prints is always about having an elegant balance to your outfits – from the scales, colors, themes of the of the patterns, shapes and down to the silhouette of the outfit. All must be perfectly incorporated with each other. If you think that the balance is not right, perhaps, you are doing fashion in a wrong way.

Before you decide to wear a printed style outfit, there are things that you have to consider in order to pull off the look. If you are one of those people who don’t have any idea on how to mix and match and come up with a stylish outfit, suffer no more. Here are some tips to mix and match clothing items and accessories perfectly.

Match colors, not prints

If the color of your clothes looked good together, then the prints of your outfit will most likely look good together, too. Hopefully, you are not color blind. Nonetheless, if you are not sure which colors go best when combined, you can always ask someone to assess whether the colors match or not.

Moreover, if you are really particular about the color schemes yet you are not sure about it, you can always go for the black and white color combo. You can most likely pair this combination with anything.

The simpler and more graphic the prints, the easier they are to mix

There will always be an advantage when you go for a simple style of prints. It will be easier to come up with an idea on what kind of print would perfectly match the outfit. Let’s take stripes especially black and white stripes for example. It is rather easy to match it with anything. They are simple yet elegant to wear and look at.

There are some complicated prints that also look nice together. However, this won’t necessarily be easy to pull off unless you are known for mixing matching prints. Basically, it is important to remember and consider the color and the scale of your outfit.

Spread your prints out across your outfit

Prints all over your outfit are not a bad thing to have at all. However, too much print can overcrowd your outfit. And it might not be a good idea to wear something that is too busy to look at. Wearing overcrowded prints can be an eye sore, and it defeats the purpose of being stylish.

Of course, you can still wear a printed blazer over a printed top. However, you just have to make sure that the print is evenly distributed over your outfit.

Break up the look with solids

As mentioned above, too much print is downright irritating to the eyes. If you are planning to wear a print-on-print-on-print is just fine for as long as one outfit has a solid or plain color that can break overcrowded prints. This is to calm it down.

Besides, when you have one outfit that can stand out with the rest of the prints, it will make you look more stylish and elegant.

Combine patterns of different densities or sizes

Instead of mixing dense prints with other dense prints, which can cause a big trouble when it comes to styling, why not try mixing clothes with a dense print with clothes with a sparse print? The same goes for the larger prints and the smaller prints.

Generally, if you mix various kinds of densities and sizes, the prints would balance each other out. With that, it will be nicer to look at rather than looking at dense-on-dense print on both your top and bottom.

If you want to use the same pattern, invert the colors

A lot of you here might have the same kind of prints or patterns on their clothes. Perhaps, you did not notice when you bought it in the store. Well, fret not! You can still definitely wear that kind of outfit for as long as the color of the clothes that you are going to wear is not the same.

Having the same color and with the same print on your outfit is one of the no-nos in fashion. If you still wear such outfit, it might give you an awkward feeling.

Mix prints or patterns with accessories

There are times when mixing and matching prints is still not enough to pull off the right fashion style that suits you best. Sometimes, you also need to include some accessories to compliment with the prints that you are wearing. You can definitely play with the accessories based on the print or pattern in your outfit.

In choosing the right accessories, we are not only pertaining to wearing jewelry. Accessories may refer to anything that helps complete your style. You may combine printed attires with printed, bags, scarves, shoes, cardigans, etc. But be discreet about it.

In fashion, especially when it comes to mixing and matching your prints, the key rule is to make sure you don’t put too many prints altogether. Don’t have to worry too much because this is a matter of your personal preference. You’re good as long as it won’t terrorize fashion in general. Well, if you are not confident in wearing it, then, by all means, change your outfit into what you think looks good on you.

Dressing Up For a First Date (Girls)

 

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We have all been there. The butterflies and the anticipation, the feeling of being totally overwhelmed by our emotions – our first date. We have spent almost majority of our time trying to get this particular guy to notice us. Now here we are, we finally scored that much-coveted date with that all the more coveted guy. You are finally getting the chance to hang out and spend time with the guy you have set your eyes on and you want to make sure nothing ever goes wrong.

 

You want to make a lasting impression on him. To do just that, you practiced hour after hour in front of your floor length mirror, making sure you laughed just right and you did not squeak when you talk. You rehashed topics to talk about in your head and you have made a list on the potential places you might want to hang out. Now that you have fine-tuned the supposed complicated logistics of your first date, all that is left for you to decide on is the most pivotal aspect of your date – what clothes to wear on this momentous occasion.

 

As you open the cabinet doors of your wardrobe, you start contemplating your options.  You do not want to intimidate him, so you do not want to appear too dressy. But you do not want to blend into the crowd either, you want to stand out. You want to keep things casual but at the same time you want to look sleek, chic and stylish. You want to look beautiful and stunning, but you do not want to cake your face with makeup. You want to appear laid-back and approachable but at the same time girly and fashionable. Wow. It seems like you are in for a real dilemma.

 

While you are sorting out  the clothes inside your closet, your thoughts wander. You want to make an impression with your choice of clothes, but you are not exactly sure as to how to go about it. Well, look no further. This article aims to assist you in making that impression, dressing well and looking fabulous without committing any of the cardinal faux pas in dressing up for a first date. Girls, take heed!

 

  • Be comfortable in what you are wearing

 

Choose an outfit that you are comfortable in. This outfit should make you feel confident and fabulous; this should make you feel good in your own skin. When you are comfortable with yourself and with what you are wearing, your date will feel it. And it is one of the greatest and best ways to make a good impression. Wear heels if you feel comfortable in them, but forgo them if you feel like you are more comfortable in your flats or sneakers. Never forgo comfort for the sake of dressing to the nines. Not only will you be obviously uncomfortable, you will  be visibly fidgeting as well. This would cause the guy to think you are not comfortable around him and would ruin your chances for a second date.

 

  • Dress for the occasion and the place of your date

 

Try to find out where your date is taking you if you did not decide on a location yet so that you will know what sort of clothes will be appropriate. You do not want to appear overdressed nor underdressed. If you are visiting the theme park and taking rides, it would be best to wear jeans, shorts and perhaps, an ordinary t-shirt. Whereas, visiting a luxe and posh restaurant for dinner calls for a more formal attire.

 

  • Never overdo it

 

This is self-explanatory. You do not want to appear on your date looking like an over-decorated Christmas tree. Not only will you look largely out of place, but your date will think he is dating someone who is extremely high maintenance. Save the glam, flashy and red carpet looks for when they are appropriate. Your outfit can still look both elegant and attractive and even sexy, but two things – it should not be skimpy and trashy. Opt for something cute and something that defines you. Look like you dressed up for a day with your date, not like you dressed with a team of helpers to get you ready.

 

  • Never show too much skin

 

Showing your legs or a little bit of your shoulder or a little peek of your cleavage is all fine and dandy. Just make sure you do not show all three at the same time. You want to look classy and sophisticated; intelligent and fun and alluring as well. You want to look like someone he wants to be seen with and someone who he will be proud to have by his side. However, if you show too much, it would break the allure and leave him looking like he went out with a rather promiscuous girl. Moreover, if you dress this way, you will most likely be sending him the wrong signal. This is not to say that you should cover up all of your valuable physical assets but keep him interested by revealing just enough to keep the mystery and the allure alive.  First dates are all about impressions, and you do not want him to leave having the wrong one of you.

 

  • Be yourself

 

No matter what article of clothing you wear, you would not impress your date so much if you end up being a pretentious girl. Do not try to dress like someone else on your first date. Remember he asked YOU out, so that should count for something. If you are the jeans and t-shirt kind of girl, do not go for tight dresses, frilly skirts or floral prints. Go with whatever makes you comfortable with yourself and feels the most like you. In this way, he would see you as the real you and would leave him with the right impression of you instead of misplaced assumptions.

 

BONUS TIP: Always wear a smile

 

Your smile can work wonders on your date. It will make your date feel at ease and it would make you more approachable and friendly. Besides, you look more appealing when you smile. Lastly, should you not be happy that you at least scored this date with him?

 

In sum…

 

Appearance and beauty are in the eye of the beholder. Though it may seem shallow for some, how you dress for you first date will speak volumes about you. Remember, this is the stage wherein both of you are still getting to know each other and are still trying to discover more about the aspects of each other. So, do not ruin your chances of a second date by dressing up poorly on your first one. Keep in mind that how you dress and how you present yourself on your first date is like giving him a sneak preview on the type of person you really are. It may not always be accurate and for most, first impressions rarely last, but at least make yours count. Who knows? You might just score a second date!

Know How to Succeed in the Fashion Business Industry

Basically, it starts with being fascinated by styles and fashion, then it became a dream. Now, you are striving to achieve that dream, hoping to open up your own new fashion business. For many, one of the greatest achievements that they can have is seeing their names on a clothing label. When it comes to fashion, there will be no limitations on what you want to do although not all designers manage to turn their passion into something profitable.

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In this world called the fashion industry, there are already a lot of well-known designers who made a name for themselves. This makes it more difficult to every fashion business startups to compete with these well-established businesses. Well, in order for you to succeed in a competitive world of fashion industry, you should possess the right attitude to pursue your lifelong dream.

Entering and starting up a fashion business may not be as easy as it may seem, and it can also be daunting on your end. However, there are several ways on how you can make your fashion business catch your target market’s attention. Of course, before you have to start one, there will always be some procedures for you to follow to reach your desired goal.

 

Research, Research, Research, then come up with a clear concept

Before you open up a fashion business, the most important thing to do is doing the research. Although, there might be some of you here who already knows a lot about fashion and the industry per se, there is still the need for you to research about what kind of fashion specifically are you going to take up and pursue.

Conducting a research on various fashion concepts will give you ideas that you can add up to the concept that you are currently thinking of, that is if you already have one. When you have a clear idea of the fashion concept, then it is easier for you to do the necessary next steps that should be done.

 

Consider the location

After deciding on the concept, now is the time for you to search for the right location. The location of your business also plays a great role whether you will succeed or fail in the fashion business industry. Without a proper and nice location, your target market may not be able to find where your fashion boutique is located.

Well, good thing if your target market will really give an effort in finding your store. However, don’t expect too much. For some, they will most likely ignore you and will find another fashion boutique that is more hassle-free and accessible enough for them. Moreover, if you have a good and perfect location for you fashion business, more and more people will stop by to your boutique. Yes, profitable traffic. Well who knows, any of these people might be one of your loyal customers soon.

 

Know your neighbourhood and your customer

When you are already had decided on where you want to put up your fashion business, then it is time for you to consider who are your direct and target customers. These are the people who are within your neighborhood. With that, you will know what kind of styles you might want to include on your list and in your target budget.

Moreover, knowing what kind of neighborhood you have can help you identify which of your items are the would-be best-sellers. Of course, this will also help you in avoiding specific styles that your neighborhood will not find interesting.

 

Figure out your budget and stick to it

Aside from the styles to consider, knowing your budget should be one of the top priorities. Of course, your business will not function without any budget. If you are serious in starting up a business, you have to invest your money in it. You should have plans on where and how are you going to come up with the right and exact budget that can start up a business.

When figuring out how much budget you should have, you need to include all of the possible expenses that you will have in the future. This is more so for the recurring expenses. From the store rentals, the furniture and to how many items you want to sell, you have to know how much budget that should be intended for it in order for you to prepare the said money.

 

Work your connections

For startups like you, it is not enough for you to sit and wait for your target customers to come in to your boutique. You have to know where and how you can make your customers want to visit your store. Of course, being a startup, your store will surely be not known to as many people as you want. There will always be struggles at first. That’s why, you should work out your connections through your friends, families and to any other people who you know will also spread the good news.

Moreover, with the technologies and the Internet available, getting the word out is not going to be hard on your part. With just a click away, hundreds to thousands of people can immediately notice the advertisement that you have posted online. Make use of the different social media platforms in targeting your audience.

 

Know your documents

In every business, be it small or big, there will always be some sort of documentation. You need to provide this in order for you to prove that your business is legal. These documents will prove that you have the permission from the government to put up a fashion boutique on a particular location.

Also, in case of incidents like if someone wants to sue you for something that is not proven to be true, you can let them see all the proper and legal documents, proving that your business is not a scam.

 

Manage your stress

Starting up a business can also be demanding and daunting. It is demanding in the way that it requires your effort and your time. It is daunting since you have so many things to think of, which sometimes leads you to worry about the things that might happen later on. Although it might be a little bit stressful on your end, you still have the need to endure and find ways to overcome it.

One of the many ways on overcoming stress is plotting strategies on what and how you can manage to pull off the things that you want to happen without jeopardizing the most important things. Of course, careful planning is going to be the number one thing you need to do to achieve a good and effective strategy.

When you are in the fashion business industry, there are a lot of possibilities that you can think of. These possibilities may happen right now or later on. Thus, you have to know the ins and outs of the business for you to know what and what not to do in order for you to be successful and live your dream!