A Man's Tie - Finding the Perfect Match

The right men's tie can be the polish that gives an outfit the perfect shine. But with an infinite number of colors, patterns, and fabrics to choose from the gentleman can be left with a difficult choice of which one to choose. For many men, the solution is to avoid variety and stick with a small collection of solid colored or simple striped ties. While there is nothing wrong with conservative solids and stripes, the multitude of options available makes a strong case for injecting some variety into the wardrobe.

The Solid Tie
Looking at color and pattern options, the most basic is the solid. A solid tie is easiest to match; one simply selects a tie that coordinates with one of the colors in the suit or shirt. However, within this simplicity lies the danger of over coordination, the faux pas of looking too matched or having put to much time into the outfit. Avoid a blue tie and blue shirt with a navy blue suit; combinations such as this often look forced. Instead think of the tie as your chance to interject something new and exciting.

The Striped Tie
Equally classic is the men's stripe tie, which is easily matched with solid suits and shirts by selecting a stripe that complements. In the case of a patterned jacket, shirt, or both, the key is to maintain colors that complement and attend to diversity of scale. A finely pinstriped suit calls for a boldly striped tie, while a strong checked shirt would be better suited by a more subdued stripe. One note of caution about striped ties: Like the various Scottish tartans, in the United Kingdom, certain stripe patterns signify membership in a particular group, particularly military units, universities, and gentlemen's clubs. When interacting with business contacts in the UK, it is good practice to check with a knowledgeable party that ones tie does not bear the stripe of a group or association.

The Plaid Tie
Harder to find, this choice of neckwear is a great way to embolden an otherwise plain outfit. Creating the illusion of dimension, this tie will draw attention to itself so do not pair it with an overpowering shirt. Look to pair this tie with solid colored suits and shirts.

Dots, Paisley, and Figure Ties
Polka dots, paisley, and figure – meaning small repeating images such as a university/club/military crest – have become much more common over the years. If kept in good taste, avoiding flamboyant colors and designs, these ties can liven up any solid or striped suit. Such ties are matched to an ensemble by their primary color, with attention paid to avoiding secondary colors that visibly clash with the shirt and suit. As before, when the shirt, suit, or both are also patterned, the key is to maintain a difference in scale between the patterns.

Men's Tie Construction
Always look for quality material and good construction when choosing a tie, and avoid anything that appears poorly crafted. The most common material in ties construction is silk, and for most it is considered the gold standard. Beware of cheap polyester impostors; polyester doesn't possess the same drape as silk, and tends to bear a high sheen that leaves an impression of poor quality.

With some attention to detail and an eye towards elegance, a gentleman can quickly become a master at selecting the perfect tie to complete his carefully chosen ensemble. While the solid silk option is a safe and classic choice, one should not be afraid to venture into the world of bolder patterns and textured fabrics. It is this sort of confident stylistic venture that sets the gentleman's wardrobe apart from that of the uninitiated.

Choosing a Wedding Theme

Choosing a Wedding Theme

When it comes to planning a wedding, for many couples, choosing a theme may be the simplest decision you will make. The most important criteria is to decide upon a wedding theme which best suits your personalities. Choosing a theme first will guide you both in the decisions and selections of the venue, decorations, food and beverage and many other critical details to ensure a perfect and fun-filled day is had by all.

A themed wedding should reflect both the bride and groom and your lives together. The process of planning a wedding can be long and meticulous but it is a wonderful experience for a couple to share, strengthening the relationship further to ensure that when the wedding day finally arrives it will be something for everybody to enjoy and remember.

When it comes to choosing a wedding theme there are many. Perhaps you are looking for a formal and sophisticated theme or a romantic, historical or traditional wedding day. Whatever you decide upon, choosing the right theme from the onset of planning will give you a much better understanding and added focus to figure out arrangements that need to be made and will in the long run, save you both time and money.

Beach Weddings
If you are looking for a simple, natural and beautiful wedding a beach theme is the perfect solution. Not everybody wants to get married with sand between their toes but for those who do, beach weddings can be spectacular and memorable, set amongst backdrops of elegant sunrises and mesmerising sunsets and long stretches of natural coastline and glittering oceans. Within the beach theme are endless possibilities for details such as maritime styling, a tropical zone, blue and white or sailboat themes.

There are a variety of accommodation options when it comes to beach weddings, like renting a private home, booking space in a beachfront hotel, or a club house, or reserving the hottest beachside restaurant in town.

Garden Weddings
There are many swoon-worthy popular garden spots to hold weddings throughout Australia, with a variety of style options available. Planning a garden wedding can be a whole lot of fun offering a romantic and striking location to celebrate your special day.

Gardens and unstructured spaces allow you to set the tone to be as elegant or informal as you like, a casual park or a formal English garden that suits your taste. You could even let Mother Nature do the decorating with just a few strategically placed plants and lighting allowing you to personalise the setting. A garden wedding can be themed for every season; autumn could bring a harvest theme, with rustic colours and hearty fare. Winter weddings can be dressed with fairy lights and white branches for an après-ski chic vibe. A garden wedding is a chance to celebrate your love and what better time than in Spring when flirty blooms are bountiful and a gazebo sets the scene. Summer garden weddings are beautiful for exchanging vows in the summer sunshine under a floral draped pergola.

Garden Wedding themes can include floral, English rose, country charm and picnic style.

Castle or Historic Wedding Theme
There’s something magical about marrying in a setting that transports you to another time, providing your wedding with a landmark history which becomes your own.

Historical settings provide colour and intensity on a grand scale, whether it is a stately home, historic house or art gallery.

Many of these locations are well equipped to handle weddings and events and have large open spaces, grand staircases, colonial chandeliers and high ceilings, and candlelit settings perfect for beautiful and dramatic photographs.

Themes could include medieval, avante garde, classic elegance, luxe bohemian and modern gothic.

Vinyard Wedding Theme
A vineyard wedding offers a spectacular backdrop for exchanging vows, with plenty of lush greenery and free flowing wines. If you love wine and the beautiful vistas of vineyards there are many wineries in Australia that would make the perfect location for your upcoming nuptials.

To choose your winery it is important to take a visit to the wine country and scour the area for potential wedding venues. Many wineries give special rates and wedding packages so it is important to shop around.

Once you have selected the winery, scout the specific location of your nuptials beforehand. Choices can include gazebos overlooking the vineyards to beautiful indoor settings.

Consider wedding flavours that tie in with the winery theme. Lodging can be booked at many wineries for the wedding party and guests. Find out of you have exclusive use of the property and whether you need to book all the rooms out.

A number of wineries have wedding coordinators who can assist you with all of the details including customising labels for the wine which is served at your reception.

2011 Wedding Hairstyles For Brides

Women’s

2011 Wedding Hairstyles For Brides

June 15, 2011

By admin

Wedding Hairstyles For Brides 2011

Tags: fashion, dresses, dress, saree, designs, kids wear, womens wear, menswear, fashion trends, sari, latest girls fashion, indian fashion, new look, indian sarees, salwar,ladies fashion, modern fashion, hair styles, hair style.

Designer Aastha Bahl Runway Collection

June 13, 2011

By admin

Designer Aastha Bahl Runway Collection

Tags: fashion, dresses, dress, saree, designs, kids wear, womens wear, menswear, fashion trends, sari, latest girls fashion, indian fashion, new look, indian sarees, salwar,ladies fashion, modern fashion.

Blue Diamond Fashion Jewelry

Ayesha | Comments 0

Blue Diamond is a beautiful and precisions stone like by every women, you will find lots of verities in Blue Diamond.

You can match it with your blue dress and any other dress as well as. You can wear it on functions and wedding and you can leave a strong impression to every one.

You can get attention to every one by wearing this. This is great and nice precious stone. It value in the market just like the diamond, nothing more nothing less. You can give gift to your loved once as well as you can define your love the Blue Diamond language.

Flow Seasonal Color Analysis Do You Know Your Best Colors?

See the difference?

The blue t-shirt "wears the woman", in the photo on the left, making it hard to see her face. By contrast, in the photo on the right you notice the woman rather than the color of her clothes (except, maybe, to note that the whole look is harmonious).

The wrong colors can make you look older, heavier, tired and even ill (of course you could use this to your advantage if you wanted to take a sickie!). The wrong colors also often wear you, so that people see your clothes before they see you (a friend might say “that color shirt is great”).

Not only do the correct colors for you make you look healthier, younger, slimmer and brighter. They also make you feel healthier, younger, slimmer and brighter. Now your friends say "you look great". Color also affects our mood and emotions, our perceived body shape and the overall impression we make on others. So why would you wear anything other than the colors that suit you best?

What is Seasonal Color Analysis?

Seasonal color analysis categorizes people into one of 4 categories...

1. Winter
2. Summer
3. Autumn, and
4. Spring

The categories are named after the seasons and the colors found together in nature to help you remember the range of colors they include. Your seasonal color range will complement the coloring of your skin, hair and eyes.

Understanding Color

Understanding a few characteristics of color will help you understand your own coloring and help you make more informed color choices when you buy clothes. Attributes of color include it’s…

• Hue --this is the name of the color
  
  
• Temperature --a color can be perceived as cool, warm or neutral. Yellow based colors are perceived as warm, while blue based colors are perceived as cool. Pure colors are neutral—that is neither cool nor warm
  
  
• Value --a color can be described as light, medium-light, medium, medium-dark, dark
  
  
• Intensity —-whether the color appears clear or muted
  

Your main seasonal color has these attributes and so do clothing colors. When you know your flow season, to determine if an item of clothing is the correct color for you look for colors with attributes that most closely match your seasonal colors’ attributes. Keeping this in mind helps if you’ve forgotten your swatch or the exact color isn't in your swatch.

Seasonal Colors

Winter colors are cool, clear and dark to light intensity. Think of the winter landscape colors. In the low light of winter colors appear darker, but on a bright day with the sun reflecting off snow colors appear pale and icy.

Summer colors are also cool, but muted and medium-light to medium-dark in value. Think of seeing the landscape through a summer heat haze. The colors are muted, paler versions of Winter’s. The light colors are creamy pastel rather than icy.

Autumn colors are warm, muted and medium-light to medium-dark intensity. Think of fall New England landscape colors of rich burnt oranges, reds, golden yellows and sludgy greens.

Spring colors are also warm, but clear and bright with medium to light intensity. Think of the bright clear colors of spring flowers and the new season’s clear, bright green shoots.

Extending Seasonal Color Analysis
for More Color Choices

With the infinite variety of each unique person’s coloring some people don’t fit neatly into one season. So most Image Consultants now use a refined version of the original seasonal color analysis called flow seasonal color analysis.

Flow color analysis categorizes a person as one of 12 flow categories. It recognizes that a person may have coloring characteristics from more than one season. A person still has one primary season, but also has elements of another season—the flow season. The flow season color range takes this into account.

For example, a woman who has dark black-brown hair, dark brown eyes and an olive skin will be mainly Winter, but flow towards Autumn. She will be a Deep Winter. The Deep Winter swatch includes all the main Winter colors and some of the Autumn range such as olive and khaki to complement her skin.

Flow Seasonal Color Analysis

This diagram shows the 12 flow categories and their relationships to the seasonal categories. Flow names reflect the "look" of the flow...

• Cool -- Winter or Summer with cool skin, hair and eyes
  
  
• Warm -- Autumn or Spring with warm skin, hair and eyes
  
  
• Clear -- Winter or Spring with stunning eyes. Many celebrities are Clears
  
  
• Deep -- Winter or Autumn with dark hair and eyes and warm skin
  
  
• Light -- Summer or Spring. Light skin, hair and eyes
  
  
• Soft -- Summer or Autumn. Either velvety/chocolaty looking, "heavy" neutral looking or light neutral looking
  
  

How to Find Your Flow Season

The process involves looking at your overall facial "look" and the coloring of your skin, hair and eyes to determine your flow season. Then using color drapes to establish your main season.

The easiest and most accurate way to find out is to have your colors assessed by an experienced Image Consultant. Find out about my in-person color analysis service by clicking here.

If for some reason you can't get to an Image Consultant the next best alternative is an online color analysis where you supply a good quality photo and answer some questions about your coloring. Contact me to find out about my online color analysis service. Alternatively, as a rough indicator you may be able to assess yourself (or get a friend to help), at least for your main season.

What’s Your Body Shape?

If you like your body shape you are either male or a very unusual female! However, whether you like your body or not, if you understand what your current shape and proportions are and know a few style guidelines for your shape you are well on your way to looking your best.

Combine wearing flattering clothes with your best colors and you'll feel fabulous and impress everyone you meet.

There are a number of factors that are involved in a full style analysis. These include assessing...

What Is The Perfect Shape?

Luckily beauty is in the eye of the beholder. However, the current stereotype of a "perfect" female body shape is moderately tall with a body balanced vertically, an hourglass figure and an oval shaped face.

For males the ideal is tall with a balanced vertical body and a trapezoid torso (that is, broad shoulders and chest tapering to medium waist and hips) and an oval face.

So, You Don’t Have The Perfect Shape?

Not many of us do (only something like 2% of the population). However, you can create the illusion of a perfect body by choosing clothes to create the appearance of perfect proportions. It's all about balancing your perceived shape to the "perfect" shape (or moving your appearance in that direction, anyway).

For example, as a female, if you have long legs and a short, rectangle torso you can create the illusion of a longer, leaner, inverted triangle torso (the next best female shape). Do this by choosing tops that emphasize your shoulders and that flow through the waist, with a hemline between the lower hip to the tip of your fingers and with no horizontal seams across your torso.

As a male, if you have short legs and a long rectangle torso you can create the illusion of longer legs and a shorter trapezoid body by choosing shirts that make your shoulders look wider and tuck in your shirt to make your torso look shorter (as long as your stomach isn't too big). Choose trousers that are darker than your shirt and shoes in the same color as your trousers, or darker, to make your legs look longer.

Changing Shape

Of course understanding your current shape doesn't rule out changing your shape through diet and exercise or, more drastically, through plastic surgery. The idea is to make the most of whatever shape you are now.

If you do change shape by more than 5.5cm (2 inches) then you should re-assess your body shape and ensure your clothing choices still flatter your current shape.

Determine Your Vertical Body Type

Start by assessing your vertical body proportions. This is the proportion of the bottom half of your body compared to your top half.

Vertical shape is important for identifying your best garment lengths (tops and bottoms) and will come into play in determining if you should tuck-in tops or wear top garments un-tucked.

There are three vertical body types and these are applicable to both males and females.

The most accurate way to determine your vertical shape is to measure your full height and the height to your hip-line (your hip-line is the circumference around your hips where your bottom is fullest) and determine where your hip-line comes in relation to your height.

Alternatively use the rough assessment guidelines below...

Short Legs, Long Torso

If your legs are short compared to your upper body you have short legs and a long torso...

• Your hip-line height is less than half your height

• You may also have a low waist -- your waist will be lower than your bent elbow

• You will have a long torso -- typically you will put on weight first on your thighs and hips

• Your bottom will typically be low and heavy

• You may also be short – although tall people can also be short legged

Your main style aims are to create the illusion of longer legs and a shorter torso.

Do wear...

• Jewellery, scarves and garment designs that draw the observer's eye up towards your shoulders and face

• Short to medium-long tops

• Tucked-in tops (if young and slim)

• Layered tops

• Medium or light tops and dark pants or skirts

• Medium to wide belts

• Straight skirts

• Straight or boot-leg pants

• Pant, sock and shoe colors the same

• Medium to high heels

• Pant hems to the ground

Don't wear...

• Long tops (if you are short)

• Pants or skirts with a dropped waistband

• Tight or tapered skirts

• Tight or tapered pants

• Cropped pants

Balanced Body

If your upper body length is about the same as your lower body length you have a balanced body...

• Your hip-line height is half your full height

• Your waist is at your bent elbow

• Females may be low busted

• You tend to put on weight around your torso or hips and thighs

• You probabaly have a round well formed bottom or you have a flat bottom

• You have proportionally slim arms and legs

If you are less than 160cm (5’3”) with a small to medium body scale then you are also petite.

Your main style aim is to elongate your mid-torso.

Do wear...

• Jewellery, scarves and garment designs that draw the observer's eye up towards your shoulders and face

• Medium-long tops

• Un-tucked tops

• Tops and bottoms in the same color

• Tops and dresses that flow through the waist

• Skirts and pants with narrow waistbands or no waistband

• Straight or flared skirts

• Waisted, low-rise or hipster pants

• Straight or flared pants

Don't wear...

• Short tops

• Empire line tops and dresses

• Wide belts

• Pants or skirts with a high waistband

Long Legs, Short Torso

If your legs are longer than your upper body you have a long legged vertical body type...

• Your hipline height is higher than half your full height

• You should also have a high waist -- your waist will be higher than your bent elbow

• You will have a proportionally short torso

• Your bottom will typically be round and high

• You tend to put on weight around your waist, above your waist or on the back of your hips

• You may also be tall -- although short people can also be long legged

Your main style aims are to create visual balance by creating the illusion of a longer mid-torso and shorter legs.

Do wear...

• Design details that draw the eye down, such as border prints on skirts and pants (unless you are short)

• Medium-long to long accessories (unless you are short)

• Skirts and pants in the lighter colors than tops

• Medium-long to long tops (if you are short, no longer than knuckle length)

• Un-tucked tops

• Tops and dresses that flow through the waist

• Skirts and pants with narrow waistbands or no waistband

• Straight and flared skirts

• Low-rise or hipster pants

• Straight and flared pants

Don't wear...

• Focal points that draw the eye upwards

• Pin stripes

• Short tops

• Empire line tops and dresses

• Wide belts

• Pants or skirts with a high waistband

• Tapered pants and skirts

Determine Your Horizontal Body Type

Need Help With Your Body Shape Assessment?

Before you can dress for your shape you need to understand what your shape and body proportions are. For professional help, either in-person or online, use my image consulting services.

Your horizontal shape is the relationship between your chest, waist and hip-line. It is their relative proportion to each other that is important rather than their actual size.

Your horizontal body type is used to identify the clothing styles that will suit you best. Although it is important to note that other factors can change some of these recommendations, such as face shape, neck and shoulder size and prominent features.

If you are male identify your horizontal body shape here.

If you are female identify your horizontal body shape from the pictures and descriptions below.

To do this assessment stand in front of a full length mirror. A long straight object such as a long ruler or a broom handle will also be useful to work out whether your hip-line is narrower, wider, or the same width as your bust-line. The easiest way to see this is to hold the ruler under your arm pit and rest it on your hip.

Select the link on your horizontal body shape to find out the general style aims and specific dos and don’ts for your horizontal body type.

Hourglass Figure

This is known as the perfect body shape. You have an hourglass figure if...

• Your full hip-line and your full bust-line are the same width and your waist is well defined

• You most likely have a balanced body vertical body shape

Check the general style guidelines for your hourglass figure by clicking here.

Get personalized style recommendations that take all of your body proportions into account by clicking here.

Inverted Triangle

This is the second best female shape. You have an inverted triangle body shape if...

• You have a proportionally large bust, or you have broad shoulders, or both

• You have narrow hips with a well defined waist

• You most likely are a long legged vertical body shape with proportionally slim legs

• You may also have a flat bottom

Check the general style guidelines for your inverted triangle figure by clicking here.

Get personalized style recommendations that take all of your body proportions into account by clicking here.

Triangle or Pear Shape Body

The triangle body type is often also referred to as pear-shaped. You have this shape if...

• Your full bust-line is proportionally narrower than your full hip-line and you have a well defined waist

• You typically have narrow shoulders

• You most likely have a balanced body or short legged vertical body shape

• Your thighs are typically full

• You may also have a full rounded bottom

Check the general style guidelines for your triangle figure by clicking here.

Get personalized style recommendations that take all of your body proportions into account by clicking here.

Rectangle

You have a rectangle body if...

• Your full bust-line and full hip-line are about the same width and you have little waist definition

• Your legs and arms will typically be proportionally slender

• You have a small to medium bust

• You most likely have a balanced body or long legged vertical body shape

• You may also have a flat bottom

• You may have had an hourglass figure when you were younger or slimmer

• You may look shorter and heavier than you really are

Check the general style guidelines for your rectangle figure by clicking here.

Get personalized style recommendations that take all of your body proportions into account by clicking here.

Oval

This body shape is also often referred to as an apple shape. You have an oval horizontal body if...

• You have the overall appearance of being round especially around the waist-line

• Your waistline is undefined

• You have a large, low stomach

• You may have "love handles"

• Your hips are wide

• Your upper thighs are full

• You may also have a full bottom or a flat bottom

Check the general style guidelines for your oval figure by clicking here.

Get personalized style recommendations that take all of your body proportions into account by clicking here.

Diamond

This body shape is also referred to as an apple shape. You have this body shape if...

• Your waist is undefined

• You have a large, high stomach

• You may have "love handles"

• You may also have a full bottom or a flat bottom

Check the general style guidelines for your diamond figure by clicking here.

Get personalized style recommendations that take all of your body proportions into account by clicking here.

It can be difficult to be objective about your body shape. So, if you still can't decide which shape you are...

• If you're in Sydney, come and see me for a shape analysis and style consultation for men, for women

15 Quick Fashion Tips for Men

1. Fit is King – The most dramatic improvement you can make in your style is to make sure everything fits. Most guys wear clothes that are too large. Make sure everything you wear is almost hugging the curves of your body - without being tight. Bad fit is an epidemic, cure yourself.

2. Keep it simple – You want a wardrobe that looks great on you but you don’t want to overdo it. For example, don’t wear more than three pieces of jewelry or more than three colors. Don’t dress like a rock star unless you’re in a band. If you want to be flashy, a simpler but stylish look would be sporting a black striped dress shirt with a white blazer, a dark pair of jeans, a white belt, and your favorite pair of shoes. You could also add a flashy watch or a simple accessory like an interesting necklace, but nothing more.

3. Change the way you see casual - casual doesn’t have to be boring. Have fun with collared shirts, or take some inspiration from those who approach casual a bit differently.

4. Pay attention to your supporting pieces - Some sweaters are lean and others are big and chunky. The first rule of thumb is that your top and bottom halves need to match. If you’re wearing a big, chunky, rugged fisherman knit sweater, your bottom needs to be rugged, too. Don’t wear a fisherman’s sweater with a beautiful silk-and-wool suit pant. Instead, wear it with something as casual as cargoes or jeans, or dress it up with a Harris tweed blazer.

5. Never go shopping alone – You can never really trust the sales people because they usually work for commission. Read about shopping on a budget.

6. Stay at least a notch above - Don’t overdo it to a fault, but still take some risks. It’s always better to be a little bit overdressed than underdressed in a situation. All you have to do is think about where and who you’re going to be with and just step it up one notch. But make sure you’re not better dressed than someone who is more important in a certain setting, like you’re boss.

7. Never underestimate the power of details – The last thing on is usually the first thing noticed. So mind the details instead of throwing together the main parts of your outfit. “Details” can include a scarf, a subtle pocket square, to the way you tie your tie knot.

8. Invest in a good pair of shoes – If it’s one thing that women will notice, it’s your shoes. Especially how clean they are. It’s easy to wash and press the rest of your clothes to keep them looking new, but most guys disregard their shoes. Show you’re a man of taste by getting a nice pair of shoes and keeping them in pristine condition. It’s the fastest way to showing others that you take care of yourself.

9. Fashion Tees with logos – When you’re going around with a big logo on your shirt, you risk looking like a walking billboard.

10. Disregard trends – You shouldn’t wear something just because it’s “in” right now. Always build a versatile and timeless (or classic) wardrobe first, and then bring in your own twists with some of the new stuff. This one tip has saved me so much money.

11. Don’t be a sucker for brand names - Don’t be a Patrick Bateman. Before you decide to purchase an item, ask yourself if you are buying it because it’s “in style” or because it genuinely suits you. Ask yourself if you would buy the garment if it didn’t have a logo on it.

12. Stay away from clogs and Crocs - They look good on nobody. Enough said.

13. An undershirt is an undershirt - An undershirt is meant to be worn underneath your dress shirt or sweater to absorb the sweat, dirt, and body oils that we all inevitable secrete. This way you might be able to get away with not having to launder the shirt every time you wear it, and you shirt will be around for even longer. Please do not wear a wife beater, v-neck, or crew-neck undershirt by itself with jeans.

14. Upgrade your shave - Even if all the threads are gold, unkempt beard can be an instant attraction killer. Achieve that perfect shave by adding a shave brush & old-fashioned double-edged razor.

15. Experiment with style – The only way you’ll really learn, is if you go out there and try new things. If you make mistakes, life goes on. So many guys are afraid to express themselves through their style, don’t be one of them.