Dior Fall 2011 Blue Tie Makeup Collection

Prepare to step into the new season with elegance and sophistication with one of the most alluring and ultra flattering shades: intense blue tones. 'Blue Tie', the latest limited edition makeup collection from luxury brand Dior challenges our perceptions on femininity with a series of alluring tones that can ensure a classy and versatile look.

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“Navy blue is the only color which can ever compete with black”. This is the main idea the latest Christian Dior limited edition makeup collection is based on. The concepts of classic elegance, universally flattering tones and versatility are tackled from a slightly different perspective that opens up new possibilities while not stepping too much out of the comfort zone of many women.

With the new uber flattering tones from the Dior collection you won't feel blue about fall arrival. Instead, you will get the opportunity to experiment with intense tones that can provide a sophisticated look that will certainly get you noticed wherever you go. From the fabulous tones to the luxurious package, no detail is left to chance. In fact, the collection of Dior Makeup Ambassador Andrew Gallimore carries some interesting elements that could also be spotted in the Minaudiere collection released by the same brand.

Blue Tie Star Palettes
The collection features 2 limited edition Blue Tie Star Palettes which comprise 4 eyeshadows each. The two eyeshadow palettes can be used to create more dramatic or on the contrary, more subtle variations of the classic and uber popular smoky eye look. The 001 Smoking Blue and 002 Smoking White ($70) have a classy metallic case that exudes high class and luxury and two double tip applicators which are designed to help you get the desired look easy and quickly.

An Introduction to Shirt Fabrics

Shirt fabrics, or "shirtings" as they are called by tailors, are of various nature and variously appropriate. Cotton is by far the most common fabric for dress shirts, and most fabric names refer to a particular method of weaving it. The numbers sometimes listed with fabrics denote the thickness of the yarn from which the fabric is made; higher numbers mean thinner yarn, and thence finer cloth and higher prices.

Oxford cloth, the coarsest shirting, is nonetheless quite soft and comfortable. A more casual fabric, its most natural form is the button-down collar. In colored and patterned Oxford shirts, only the threads running in one direction are dyed, while the others are left white. This gives the fabric its characteristic textured appearance. Pinpoint Oxford is woven likewise, but of finer yarn, and is thus smoother and more formal. Royal Oxford is finer still, and can stand proudly beside a fine wool suit and expensive tie.

Poplin bears a smoother texture but similar weight, the result of a fine yarn running one way with a thicker one interweaving it. It is soft and comfortable, and often used in more casual shirts. Colors find themselves easily at home here, and it takes sporty patterns especially well.

Cotton twill, a shimmery diagonal weave, makes for richly textured shirts without sacrificing formality. In herringbone twill, the direction of the diagonals switches back and forth every quarter inch or so, giving the fabric even more depth. When occasion or whim calls for a solid shirt, twill plays the role with panache.

Finer still is broadcloth, of fine yarn woven so tightly that it gleams. This is the most formal shirting for day-to-day wear. End-on-end broadcloth is that made by interweaving threads of alternating colors for a visual texture so subtle it appears solid from an arm's length away. Thanks to its tight weave, this cloth displays patterns with exquisite precision.

Formal shirts are made of white piqué cotton, which boasts a rich, woven texture. This is the only shirt proper for black tie or white tie, and it is not appropriate for anything else.

Besides pure cotton, all the fabrics above can be found in cotton/polyester blends. These are less expensive, and while they do not look as rich or feel as smooth, they can often be worn without ironing. No-iron 100% cotton shirts offer the rich look of natural fiber with the ease of synthetics, but the good ones are very expensive and the cheap ones irritate the skin. Synthetics fibers get itchy and uncomfortable in extreme heat, i.e. over 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Ironing is really not that much work, and it is the surest way to look and feel good in shirts which are affordable enough that you can stock your closet with a diverse collection of them.

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.