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Authored by Diana Bocco and can also be found here: http://is.gd/xm6hNC The way you dress can make a big difference in the way you look. Not only can you appear more professional or more relaxed depending on what you wear, but you can also look thinner depending on your choice of wardrobe. If doesn't matter what your dress size is, or whether you are bottom-heavy or simply out of proportion, by adjusting your attire you can make a big impact on your looks. Probably the number one mistake people make is to wear clothes that don't fit. Wearing larger sizes does not make you look thinner. In fact, it will make you look even larger. On the same basis, wearing a size 12 if you are a 14 will not make look like a 12. All it will do is to accentuate every single area in which your body is hiding extra fat. Wearing clothes that fit may seem like an obvious answer, but if you want to look thinner, this should be the first thing you do. The same holds true for fabric. Avoid clingy outfits (Lycra and silk are difficult to wear properly) and instead choose pre-shaped outfits that will give you a general outline and make you look thinner. 
If you need to look thinner on the bottom, avoid pleated skirts (they make your stomach look bigger) and instead choose A-lineskirts. If you need to hide bulges, choose loose-fit and low-ride jeans. With low-ride jeans, however, make sure to wear a top that is long enough. Boot-cut pants will balance large hips, and simple designs without a lot of extra pockets will also make you look thinner. Avoid slim-fit jeans if you have large thighs, and opt for darker shades to minimize trouble spots.
If you are trying to make your upper body look thinner, avoid tank tops in summer, as they emphasize your arms. On the other hand, if your arms are toned, showcasing them will take the focus away from your problem areas. Boatneck tops are great for balancing your body, and something you should definitively use if you have good-defined shoulders. Finally, good posture is key to look thinner. Throw your shoulders back and do not hunch. Keep your head up high and look confident. Wear heels if at all possible, especially with jeans, as they elongate your figure and make you look thinner overall. For all your clothing needs, check out our clothing page.
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Authored by Sheri Cyprus and can also be found here: http://is.gd/4Azu8q  In fashion, the term, natural waist, refers to the smallest part of a person's midsection or to a garment constructed to fit this area. No matter one's figure type, everyone has a natural waist or waistline. Clothing designed to accentuate the natural waistline can include dresses, tops, and pants. Pants that are made with a natural waist fasten between the lower ribs and the belly button, where the smallest part of the waistline occurs. The natural waistline is considered to be flattering on all figure types. It's especially flattering for pants for the heavy set figure, because the trousers then cover the belly and hang in a way that creates a long lean leg line. The look of a longer leg can help to make the waist appear smaller. Pants that fasten at the natural waistline can also help shorter figures look taller because of the illusion of a longer leg. Natural waist jeans are different from the low rise jean style. Jeans with a natural waistline fasten at the smallest part of the waist, while the low rise jean type reaches only as high as the hips. Low rise jeans tend to flatter only lean figures. In shirts or tops, a noticeable seam at the natural waist has the effect of cutting the body in half, which may not be flattering on shorter and larger body types. Empire, or high waist, top styles usually look best on these figures. Thin belts that fit at the natural waistline are also not recommended for petite and plus size figure types. Tall, leaner body types are often flattered by horizontal waist seams and narrow belts. Wide waist accenting on tops, as well as wider belts, can be worn well by all body types, even petite and plus sizes. Dresses made to fit at the natural waist may have vertical seaming from the shoulder that changes to horizontal seams that accent the waistline. Elastic waist dresses with horizontal gathering also accentuate the waist. A dress may also feature a band of a contrasting color in order to focus attention on the natural waistline.
The idea of accentuating the waist in women's dresses dates back to the 1820s. The dress styles featured long sleeves and drapes of fabric from head to toe, but the natural waist was accented with seaming. Later, corsets became popular in dresses. A corset is a lace-up strip of fabric that cinches or tightens a garment at the natural waist. For all your clothing needs, check out our clothing page. Authored by Jessica Ellis and can also be found here: http://is.gd/v0nZsu  Identifying your body shape can benefit you in many ways. Not only can it help you choose flattering clothing for your body, but it can also help you determine an exercise regimen that will maintain or enhance your proportions. Understanding your body type is quite simple, and all you need is an accurate tape measure. Most body shape definitions are determined by the proportion of the shoulders or bust, waist and hips. It is best to measure yourself without bulky clothing, as that will add inches to your real measurements. To get accurate results, measure around the fullest part of your bust and hips, and the narrowest part of your waist. This is how most garments are fit, so knowing your own size will help you when shopping or ordering clothes without trying them on first. If you have an hourglass figure, your waist will be considerably narrower than your hips and bust. Many hourglass-figured women have a difference of between 5-10 inches (12.7-25.4 cm) between their narrowest and widest points. Ideally, the measurement for your hips and bust will be similar to one another. Women with hourglass figures should wear clothes that accentuate their small waists, like wrap dresses, kimono tops, and flared or boot-cut jeans. These clothes will help preserve the lines of your body, and give greater emphasis to your fabulous curves.  Pear body shapes, also called spoons or triangles, are larger at the hips than they are at the bust and shoulders. Experts recommend that people with a pear shaped body dress to accentuate their top half, drawing the eye upward to the chest, neck and shoulders. Flowing tops help balance out a pear figure, as do bold printed shirts, A-line skirts, and dark-washed jeans.
The opposite of a pear body shape is called an inverted triangle or cone. People with these characteristics will be wider through the shoulders and bust and narrower at the hip. Flowing, full skirts are a great choice for this body type, while dark or plain fabrics on top will help minimize a size difference. You can also emphasize your shape by wearing an off-the-shoulder top and fitted skirt, making your waist and hips look exceptionally narrow. Knowing your body shape can help you customize work out routines, particularly if you lift weights. Hourglass-shaped people should take care to include a varied abdominal routine, to help maintain their small waists. Pear and inverted triangle shapes can do additional exercises to help increase muscle in their more narrow areas, and reduce bulk in wider places, giving them all-over shape balance. Fashion magazines frequently post guides to shopping for your body shape. While these can be helpful in ensuring a clean silhouette, they are not universally perfect. Everyone’s body is different, and probably the most important component to dressing well is personal style. Allow your body shape to be a guideline, but no matter what, choose clothing that makes you feel beautiful. For all your clothing needs, check out our clothing page. Authored by Emily Espinoza and can also be found here: http://is.gd/lnd2Q7 You can remove body odor in clothes by using baking soda, using vinegar, or taking advantage of natural resources outside. Regular household baking soda can be used to form a paste that serves as an odor and stain removing formula when applied to clothes. Vinegar is another common household item that can be used in a couple of different ways to combat stubborn body odor in clothes. An even simpler approach that is often effective in removing foul body odor from clothes is to let nature do the work by exposing the smelly clothes to fresh air and sunlight. Baking soda is effective in cleaning and removing odors from a variety of surfaces and materials, including clothing. It is sometimes added to the water in a washing machine to boost the cleaning power of regular detergent. For body odor in clothes that is difficult to remove, you can make a paste of baking soda and water by simply mixing the two ingredients until the desired consistency is reached. There is no exact amount of either component, and different people may prefer different consistencies depending on the severity of stain and odor. For the most difficult odors, you can apply this paste directly to the affected area of the garment and let it sit for up to 24 hours before washing regularly. 
Vinegar can also be added to the water of a washing machine and works to neutralize many different odors that can remain in fabrics. Some people find this simple treatment to be quite effective in removing body odor from clothes. You can also use vinegar in place of chemical products as a pre-treater before washing. Plain vinegar can be applied directly to the area where the odor exists or a mixture of vinegar and water can be used to soak the entire garment. You should then wash the garment as you normally would to completely eliminate the body odor and to wash out the vinegar.
The simplest approach to getting rid of body odor in clothes is also the most natural and doesn't require any ingredients at all. After a regular washing, clothes that retain body odor can be placed outside to dry instead of in a dryer. Sunlight works well to bleach out stains from clothing without damaging the fabric and the combination of sunlight and fresh air can go a long way toward removing stubborn odors. In many instances, this natural approach will actually completely eliminate body odor in clothes as well as help to get rid of stains. This technique is often worth a try, especially when the ingredients needed for other approaches are not available. Authored by S.E. Smith and can also be found here: http://is.gd/zB9fIX Many people think of sunglasses as a stylish fashion accessory in the summer, and they would probably answer this question with “yes, of course!” In fact, they're right. Sunglasses are an important way to keep your eyes healthy, as they will protect your eyes from bright light and harmful UV radiation from the sun. You should absolutely keep a pair of sunglasses around, and if you wear glasses, you should acquire a pair of prescription sunglasses. Many people wear sunglasses in the summer because they work to protect the eyes from bright light and glare. Skiers also like to wear sunglasses and goggles out on the slopes, since the glare from snow can get quite strong. However, it's also important to wear sunglasses even when it's not bright out, since UV radiation can still filter through clouds and fog. You may want to consider getting two pairs: one pair with darkly tinted lenses for summer use, and a pair with more mild tinting which still retains UV protection for the winter. Cataracts, macular degeneration, and skin cancers around the eyes have all been linked to UV exposure. These conditions can lead to eventual blindness if they are not addressed, and they can still be painful and expensive to treat. It's much better to simply wear sunglasses and protect your eyes. You can also, of course, look stylish in the process.  Sunglasses are especially important for people who are taking medications which increase sensitivity to light. Your doctor should tell you if a drug will make you more light-sensitive, and he or she may recommend sunglasses for comfort and eye protection. Children should also wear sunglasses, since their eyes are also very vulnerable to UV radiation. According to Prevent Blindness America, children's eyes do not have the more developed UV protection that adults' eyes do.
You should take some time when picking out sunglasses. Find a pair which are comfortable and which fit well with your personal aesthetic, but also look for glasses which will filter out at least 99% of UV-A and UV-B rays. Try to find sunglasses which will not distort color, as well, since this will keep you more comfortable as you navigate the world. Avoid small sunglasses which do not completely protect your eyes and the surrounding skin, and remember not to wear sunglasses at night, especially when you are driving. Authored by S E Smith and can also be found here: http://is.gd/tKlb0L Daily life in tropical areas can be intolerable for visitors who are wearing less than ideal clothing. Fabrics for tropical climates have a number of properties which make them highly suitable to wear and use in regions which get warm and humid. In addition to seeking out better fabric choices, it is best to try garments on for fit and comfort, as clothing that is tight or fits oddly can be maddening in hot weather. It may be easier to purchase tropics-friendly clothing locally, and it might be a good idea to check what local people are wearing. Keeping Cool High temperatures combined with high humidity can make life uncomfortable, especially for people not used to these conditions. Humans keep cool mainly by sweating: the evaporation of liquid takes heat away from the body. Sweat evaporates less quickly when humidity is high, and so has less of a cooling effect. For this reason, fabrics for tropical climates should maximize the flow of air through the clothing, allowing heat and moist air to escape. It also helps if clothing is loose fitting.  Fabric Choices Some fabrics tend to trap heat by providing an insulating layer over the skin. Others tend to reflect heat back to the body and inhibit the outward flow of warm, moist air; this is often true of synthetic fibers, such as polyester. Another important factor is the ability of a material to absorb water. Synthetic fibers tend to be water-repellent; they allow sweat to build up, reducing evaporation, and causing discomfort and irritation. Natural fibers are generally better at soaking up moisture from the skin and allowing it to evaporate from the outer surface. As a general rule, the best fabrics for tropical climates are those made from natural materials such as cotton, linen and rayon. Strictly speaking, rayon is a semi-synthetic fiber, but it is made from natural raw materials and resembles natural fibers in its properties. These materials tend to “breathe” more than synthetics such as polyester. Wool and silk are not good choices, as they tend to retain heat, and silk can lose some of its strength through exposure to strong sunlight and perspiration. Cotton Cotton is an excellent material for a tropical climate because it permits movement of air from the skin through the fabric, allowing heat to dissipate and reducing humidity. It also absorbs moisture well, keeping the skin dry and increasing evaporation. This tendency to soak up water could potentially also be a problem: it can become damp and stay damp for some time. Anyone who has worn denim cotton jeans in wet weather will know that they absorb a lot of water and take a long time to dry out. These, however, are made of relatively coarse, thick material; cotton clothing for hot, humid parts of the world should be made of thinner, lighter fabric. Another useful property of cotton is that it can be machine washed and dried. As sweat accumulates in a hot climate, the ability to wash clothing quickly and easily is a definite advantage. Cotton is also easily ironed and reasonably durable.  Linen
Like cotton, linen is cool and absorbent, and very comfortable to wear. It loses water quickly when it gets wet or damp, which is a useful feature in humid conditions. The material is relatively stain-resistant and can be machine-washed; however, it tends to become wrinkled and creased easily, especially when tumble-dried, and ironing it can be hard work. It is also susceptible to mildew, which can be a problem in areas with high humidity. Rayon This fabric is made from natural cellulose, which is subjected to various chemical treatments to create a fibrous material suitable for clothing. Like cotton and linen, it is cool and comfortable to wear: it does not trap body heat, and absorbs water easily, making it well suited to tropical conditions. Normal rayon, however, has limited durability, and should be dry-cleaned rather than washed. Another form of this fabric, called high-wet modulus (HWM) rayon, is much stronger and can be machine-washed. Other Things to Consider Generally, light colored fabrics are better for a tropical climate, because they reflect light and heat. White, beige, and pastels are common choices, and they can be embroidered with thread to create colorful designs. Tropics-themed textiles do not have to be dull white or shockingly patterned; options are varied when it comes to decoration. Clothing for tropical climates should also be loose and comfortable. Many cultures have traditions of flowing garments which allow air circulation close to the body. In addition to being cooling, this also helps to keep the body dry, preventing irritation, rashes and skin infections. People who are overweight may also want to consider the use of a cream or powder on areas of the skin which are subject to chafing, to prevent painful sores at the end of a day of activity in hot, humid conditions. Authored by Garry Crystal and can also be found here: http://is.gd/kYTB0p Sunglasses are seen by many as the ultimate fashion accessory. For some, what type of sunglasses they are wearing is a statement about themselves. Nevertheless, when choosing sunglasses either for lounging by the pool or for work, there are a few factors to consider. One of the most important factors when choosing sunglasses is the eyes themselves. You may already wear glasses for sight problems or for reading. You can purchase sunglasses from opticians with prescriptive lenses. These work just as well as your normal glasses, but have a tint that reacts with light. Many opticians offer special deals whereby you can receive a free pair of prescriptive sunglasses when you buy normal glasses. Another important factor to consider is the amount of protection your sunglasses will offer. Many glasses state that they provide maximum ultraviolet (UV) protection. This is a very important safety aspect. Sunlight can seriously damage the eyes, and many cheaper glasses do not give enough protection from the sun. Sunglasses purchased from opticians usually have the required safety features. The next factor is choosing the design. There are literally thousands of different types of frames available. It is important to choose a frame that will suit your face. Try on many different types before buying. If you have a long face, then you are probably suited to larger glasses, and smaller faces look better with smaller square frames. 
The color of the frames is also important. Choose a color that compliments your natural skin tone and hair color. The frames can drastically alter the shape and look of a face, so make sure you choose the correct type. Take a friend with you when choosing; he or she will be able tell you whether you look good in the glasses or not.
The budget you have to spend on sunglasses should also be a factor when choosing a pair. Price ranges vary, and you should weigh up whether you will be wearing the glasses enough to warrant spending a large amount. There are many designer glasses to choose from with equally designer price tags. There are also quality manufacturers of sunglasses who specialise only in this product. With these types of manufacturers, you know that their expertise in the product is second to none. Remember, just because a pair of sunglasses is expensive does not mean you are getting a high quality product. Designer sunglasses may look good, but may not have the required safety features. If you are looking for good quality sunglasses at reasonable prices, try shopping online. There are plenty of websites and bidding sites where you can buy high price glasses at a fraction of the usual cost. For some of the best sunglasses on the market, check out our Kay Unger and Phoebe Couture pages. Authored by Sheri Cyprus and can also be found here: http://is.gd/NIpar1 Cropped jeans are denim pants that are shorter than the standard trouser length, but longer than shorts. The hem of a cropped jean may fall anywhere below the knee to above the ankle, depending on its design. These jeans are made for men, women and children. The denim may have a faded, worn-out look or be very dark in color. White and black denim are also used for cropped pant styles. Most cropped jean designs have zipper front styling, while some have a drawstring or elastic waist. Since their length is shorter than that of standard pants, cropped jeans aren't typically worn in colder weather. Many people find them a great choice for spring or milder whether when it's not hot enough for shorts. They are a popular kids' style of pant, as there's often no need to adjust the hem and the cropped feature also saves on the hems becoming easily soiled or ripped. Little girls' cropped jeans may have lace trim at the hem or embroidered details, while boys' versions often include a graphic screen print on the back pockets as well as part of the legs. 
In general, the closer the jeans are cropped to the ankle, the longer the leg length they suit. People who have short legs or are petite may look even shorter in the longer styles of cropped jean. Many fashion experts assert that the best cropped jeans for those with these body types is just below the knee, while long-legged, taller people can usually wear any length well. Skinny leg, low rise cropped jean looks are best for average or thin body types, while overweight figures are typically more flattered by slightly wider pant legs and a regular fitted waist.
There are different fit options in cropped jean styles. Some are made of stretch denim which fits close to the body. Other cropped jeans have a relaxed or looser fit which is often called a "boyfriend" style. Cropped jeans may be hemmed or frayed. They may also be cuffed or rolled at the bottom edges. Another possible look for a cropped jean style is to push up or "scrunch" the legs much like moving the arms of a long sleeved t-shirt up to the elbows. Doing this creates an extra-casual look for this pant style. When a dressier style is needed, such as for an office casual look, dark, neatly hemmed cropped jeans are best. For your jeans needs, check out our Williamsburg Garment page. Authored by S E Smith and can also be found here: http://is.gd/jtxHoU The iconic blue denim trousers known as jeans are found all over the world in a variety of cuts and styles. They have been in demand since the mid 1800s, when they were first released onto the market. Their sales exploded in 1873, when rivets were introduced, making them much sturdier. Hundreds of companies today make jeans ranging in style and price, and their popularity seems unlikely to wane, although various styles may fall in and out of fashion. This is probably because they are versatile, sturdy, and culturally symbolic. In order to understand the popularity of jeans, it helps to examine their history. Originally, these trousers were known as genes, because they were worn by the sailors of Genoa. They were made from a variety of fabrics until the 1600s, when they began to be made from blue-dyedSerge de Nimes, or “cloth from Nimes,” a fabric woven from cotton and dyed with indigo. The French fabric quickly became known as denim, and sturdy work pants made from denim became very popular with sailors. The fabric wore well, was comfortable, and was reasonably affordable. 
In 1850, an immigrant living in the midst of the California gold rush named Levi Strauss had several rolls of denim fabric, or so the story goes at the Levi Strauss Company. Realizing the demand for solid work pants made from hard wearing fabric, he started releasing denim jeans, as well as another version made from a heavy cotton “duck.” The duck proved to be unpopular, because it remained stiff and uncomfortable even after many washings, but the denim trousers were a hit. In 1873, an inventor in Nevada named Jacob Davis added copper rivets to the pants at areas of high stress to prevent them from splitting. Because he was unable to afford a patent, he approached Strauss, who patented riveted jeans under both their names.
Jeans were initially very popular among the lower working class. The pants were affordable, very sturdy, and built to last. Several basic cuts ensured that the pants could fit and function well on the job site, and the trousers quickly became a staple for laborers. In the 1920s, when members of society began to express interest in the lives of the working poor, some middle class youth adopted jeans as daily wear. However, they didn't explode on the popular front until the 1940s and 1950s, when famous movie stars wore them in films and while out in public. In an effort to ape their favorite movie stars, many members of the American public started wearing jeans, and the fad spread overseas. More manufacturers started to offer the trousers in a dizzying array of cuts, and by the 1960s, they were standard issue for members of the '60s counterculture. Although the original jeans were designed as work pants, modern varieties can be found in an assortment of styles and levels of darkness suitable for numerous occasions. Generally, they are banned from formal events and many workplaces, but the pants can be seen on the legs of popular movie actors and actresses, and in the windows of most boutiques, suggesting that they have a firm place in American culture. It is likely that jeans remain popular because of their versatility. They can be made loose fitting and comfortable, form fitting to flatter the figure, or practical for working on a farm or at a construction site. Flared bottoms can accommodate people yearning for a 1960s style, while more angular cuts began to appear in the 1990s, and there are numerous cuts to choose from for people of all ages. These trousers are designed for men and women of all shapes and sizes, and most Americans have several pairs in the dresser to use as a practical pant which pairs with a wide variety of shirts and shoes. Other nations have picked up the American fashion as well, making it unlikely that they will ever fade from the public eye. For all your jeans needs, check out our Williamsburg Garment page. Authored by B. Miller and can also be found here: http://is.gd/Ebxqr7  Men's and women's jeans are not always stylistically very different — where they mainly differ is in sizing practices. Generally, they are also shaped differently for various body types and preferences. Jeans made for men tend to be universally sized in waist and length measurements. For example, a pair might be marked as size "34-32," with the first number corresponding to the waist measurement and the second number to the inseam. In the United States, this is indicated in inches, but elsewhere these measurements are taken in centimeters, in which case a 34-32 would refer to a pant that was 86 cm wide and 81 cm long. In the U.S., women's jeans are typically sized with a single number. A woman might purchase a pair of size "6" jeans. Since there is no industry standard for women's jeans sizing, a size 6 from one store may be larger or smaller than a pair marked as the same size from another store. Where men are able to choose their specific inseam length, women often, but not always, must choose among three options: short, regular, or long. Still, some women's jeans are sized with a single number for the waist, as the size 6 mentioned above, but with a specific inseam measurement.  Additionally, what may have been a size 6 in the past is now more likely marked as a size 4 or a size 2. As women's body types have changed, manufacturers have adjusted their sizes to flatter a woman's self esteem, basing their sizing on the belief that most women would prefer to wear a piece of clothing marked with a "Small" label than with a "Large."
Outside of the United States, and even from some designer jeans manufacturers within the U.S., women's jeans are sized with a length-inseam measurement. This measurement is indicated in inches in the U.S., and centimeters elsewhere in the world. In time, it may be likely that men's and women's jeans will be sized in the same way, with a simple waist-inseam measurement. Jeans for men and women usually come in various styles and colors. A few examples of women's styles include flared, where the bottom cuff of the jean is much wider than the rest of the leg, and bootcut, where the bottom cuff of the jeans is slightly wider than the leg of the pant to fit more easily over shoes. Women's jeans will sometimes offer patterns or designs on the pockets, along with a tighter, more feminine cut. Men's jeans are generally looser, but of course, many styles are available, including slim and bootcut jeans. Men's and women's jeans both offer different rises, including high rise, which sit up near the waist, and low rise, which sit around the hips. Medium rise, which sits just below the navel, is often the most flattering. Despite the discrepancies in jeans sizes, all are often manufactured in exactly the same way. For all your jeans needs for both men and women, check out our Williamsburg Garment page. |
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