Pocket Squares and Pocket Handkerchiefs are still in Fashion

It is really so, if you have any doubts. The fashion for style and elegance will never sink into oblivion, thus real connoisseurs of fashion will never refuse to wear pocket squares and pocket handkerchiefs. This tendency was extremely popular during the 19th century creating a nice completeness in every man’s dressing. Later this tradition died out, but recently has come back to life with appearance of metrosexual men, who do care what and how they wear. Any mediocre or worn out jacket can be instantly livened up with an inexpensive casually folded pocket handkerchief. The effect is really amazing and is sure to work for you!

The impact of having this handkerchief gives an unsurpassed refine effect to the suits and sports jackets that it is donned on. It is even more so if the suit and sports coat is totally bare and simple. It is not worth treating this simple accessory as outdated or old-fashion elegance. The role it can play during less than formal occasions is unimaginable and yet not a fashion overstatement.

It is true that terms “pocket square” and “pocket handkerchief” are used interchangeably, but still there exists difference between them.

A pocket handkerchief is usually a linen woven cloth or white cotton cloth. The linen handkerchiefs were very popular during the 19th century for its clean and fine finishing when placed in a breast pocket. These handkerchiefs are usually stiffer and crisp in its texture due mainly to the linen fabric. It also has sharper corners that can be folded to accentuate these four points or even create the so-called TV fold where it is folded neatly in parallel to the breast pocket.

Pocket squares is defined when the material used are wider in its range of fabrics used other than silk or cotton. Silk fabrics, silk blends, cashmere, or wool fabrics are usually used in squares. There is a tendency for these materials, especially silk, to have a much softer feel. So the most appealing method for squares on breast pockets is making it into a “puff”.

Both, however, are not differentiated by their size. The best size to choose from is a 16-inch to 18-inch square.

So, if you are going to impress anybody or simply want to try something new, do not forget to add more elegance and the sense of taste to your outfit by wearing pocket handkerchiefs or pocket squares! And do not believe anybody who says, it doesn’t work any more – it does!!!

Do not make these mistakes again…

In spring all men and women of fashion are doing their best to wear good clothes and in general – to look their best! It’s great if you possess an ideal sense of taste and it is not a problem for you to buy and wear appropriate clothes. If not – you may suffer from so “popular” fashion mistakes. I wish you didn’t allow yourself to be caught, thus, this information is for you.

Avoid these fashion mistakes, if you don’t want to be referred to as the “fashion victim”:

1. Pants That Don't Fit: Great fitting pants are the right length - not too short or too long. They should be long enough to cover your socks and short enough not to drag on the ground or bundle at the front. Great fitting pants do not droop in the back and are not tight.

2. Socks That Don't Match: remember about color coordination with socks too! Besides, keep in mind, that socks that are too short or socks that are too thin are instant image busters.

3. Improper Footwear: Wear shoes that are in good condition, clean, shined and in good repair. Nothing ruins an outfit like rundown shoes or shoes that are the wrong style for the outfit.

4. Wearing Short Sleeve Shirts as Dress Shirts: Short sleeve shirts are not the right shirts to wear with a tie, nor do they project a professional image. Remember it if you want to impress somebody!

5. The Wrong Tie: Avoid ties that are too short, too long or do not match your shirt or suit. Also, be very selective where and when you wear novelty ties.

6. Unflattering Hairstyles: Hairstyles that are from another decade or wearing your hair parted in the middle are not flattering.

7. Good Grooming: Do not neglect personal grooming habits such as a daily shower or shaving. Be aware of the image you are projecting when you decide to shave or not to shave. Remember that even designer beard is not for everyone!

8. Wrinkled Clothing: Always hang clothes properly, do not over dry-clean you suits and steam your jacket and pants instead of pressing.

9. Inappropriate Briefcase or Luggage: Do not carry a canvas bag or backpack when wearing a suit. When travelling make sure your luggage reflects a professional image.

10. The Wrong Accessories: be very particular while choosing accessories. Mind that even your eyeglasses should correspond to your overall image!

Do you know who metrosexuals are?

Our life provides us with lots of new words, which are sometimes difficult to understand. Moreover, they may cause misunderstanding and confusion. One of such words is “metrosexual”. What kind of people are metrosexuals and how this term came to everyday use, I’d like to discuss right now.

While looking for different definitions of this word in the Internet I came across the following ones, which identify a metrosexual as:
· a usually urban heterosexual male given to enhancing his personal appearance by fastidious grooming, beauty treatments, and fashionable clothes
· an urban male with a heterosexual orientation who rejects many macho attributes often linked to masculinity
· a young man with money to spend, living in or within easy reach of a metropolis — because that's where all the best shops, clubs, gyms and hairdressers are. He might be officially gay, straight or bisexual, but this is utterly immaterial because he has clearly taken himself as his own love object and pleasure as his sexual preference. Particular professions, such as modeling, waiting tables, media, pop music and, nowadays, sport, seem to attract them but, truth be told, like male vanity products and herpes, they're pretty much everywhere.
· a guy who, has good fashion sense (i.e. color coordinates his wardrobe, has expensive clothes), gets manicures/pedicures, takes a long time to get ready cause every spike of hair has to be in the right place, listens to Justin Timberlake, bleaches the tips of his hair, has earrings etc.
· a man who would most probably be straight with possible bisexual or homosexual tendencies who displays a curiosity through his or her hairstyle and choice of dress.

In general, metrosexuality is defined as the trait of a sophisticated man who has a strong aesthetic sense and spends a substantial amount of time and money on his appearance and lifestyle.

As we see, the picture is more or less clear. One thing I cannot agree to is that metrosexuals are often referred to as gays. It is not quite right. Let’s put it this way: all gays are metrosexuals, but not metrosexuals are gays. The term came into use in 1994, after Mark Simpson, a British and outspokenly gay social "commentarist," first published it in the article called "Here Come The Mirror Men," which ran in Britain's Independent. The concept was developed thanks to Simpson's book on masculine identity in a media-driven world, called Male Impersonators: Men Performing Masculinity. Even though Simpson is a gay, it doesn’t mean that all metrosexuals are gays. He told about this in one of his interviews.

Speaking about modern and well known metrosexuals we cannot but mention the names of David Beckham, Brad Pitt, Hugh Jackman and Tom Cruise. All these men are as much models as they are sports stars or actors, welcoming the not-so-furtive female gazes like the walking billboards they've become.

Thus, it becomes clear that if a man takes care of himself and likes good and expensive clothes, he is not necessarily a gay. It may be right, but not in all cases – in most cases, however, such a man will be referred to as a metrosexual. And there is nothing offensive in this word.

Tips of advice while buying a suit

There are lots of moments in the life of a man when he needs to wear a suit. Suits look great on everybody and are sure to add you more masculinity and style. In case, of course, you know what a good fit is! Good fit is a criterion, which identifies whether the suit you wear suits you or not, and if not, why.

While choosing a suit you need to pay attention to the following things:

1. Length of the jacket. The standard rule is that the jacket should be long enough to cover the seat of trousers, but no longer than the thumb knuckle when standing with arms at sides.
2. Fit of the Collar. It is desirable that the jacket collar should fit evenly around the sides of the neck without creating a bulge or gap.
3. Fit across the back. In the best variant the jacket fits smoothly across the back. There should be no break or wrinkle where the collar meets the body of the jacket.
4. Sleeve length. Mind that sleeves should be short enough t show ½ to ¾ of an inch of shirt cuff.
5. Tailoring of lapels. While buying a suit, pay special attention to lapels. On a jacket that is well made and properly fitted, lapels lie flat at the point where they join the collar, then roll softy to the point where the jacket buttons.
6. Waistline fit. The amount of 'shape' at the waist depends on the style of the suit and can also be the wearer's choice. However, shaped or straight, the jacket should fit easily at the waist without pulling or wrinkling.
7. Fullness of jacket. Keep in mind that jacket should be full enough at the back to prevent distortion or opening of vent or vents.
8. Trouser fit. Well-fitted trousers worn with a belt or self -supporting trousers can have a higher rise. They should fit smoothly across the seat, be loose enough not to bind but not so full that they bag or droop. When they fit properly the trouser will not have breaks or folds in the crotch.
9. Trouser length. The ideal length of a trouser is when it has a slight “break” at the top of the shoe.

Here are the ABCs of buying a suit with a good fit. Do you use any of these criteria while buying a suit? Or do you have any other? Share your ideas. The topic of the next article may be taken from your comments.

Let’s go shopping!

Whenever you go shopping, you know, at least have the least inkling, of what you are going to buy. A lot of men find it dull and embarrassing to go shopping, thus, prefer to have this ritual as seldom as possible. Even if it so, you need to do shopping effectively and with satisfactory results, otherwise, you’ll have to repeat this procedure once (or even twice!) again!

Make a list before you shop so that you don't forget anything and you aren't sidetracked into buying items you don't need. Having a list will ensure that what you buy fits into your wardrobe.

Wear comfortable clothes when you are going out for shopping - clothes that are easy to get in and out off and lightweight. If you are shopping for pants or a suit wear a dress shirt, dress socks and the shoes you'll be wearing with the outfit. This will enable you to buy just what suits you and other elements of your wardrobe.

Always try the shirt, pants or jacket before you buy and take a look in a full-length. Do not be too lazy to try things on – otherwise you can simply waste money. Make sure you have a good fit. Clothes that are too big can be altered. Clothes that are too small stay too small. And do not believe shop-assistants, who claim that this or that thing will stretch after washing or something else of the kind – it is nonsense, and if you believe it, you prove to be negligent of fashion.

If you are not confident in making purchases take someone along who has a sense of style and whom you can trust. Some sales people will tell you anything looks great and others don't know - just because they work in clothing stores doesn't mean they have a sense of style or know the rules of dressing. Taking your girl-friend with you will turn the whole dull procedure into nice time spent together. Moreover, she will surely help you to buy those clothes she likes and that fit you. She is sure to know you perfectly well. And thus, may be of good avail in this unpleasant for you procedure!

Spring, known as the time of renovation if everything, will demand some changes in your wardrobe as well. Of course, if you don’t want to look dull and outdated. Thus, make up your mind and set it to positive shopping and nice purchases! Everything is going to be fine!

Tattoos for more sexuality?

Tattoos have become part and parcel of style and fashion. They are not considered taboo any longer, just on the contrary, many women find it sexy and masculine, when a guy has tattoo. The reasons why man decides to make a tattoo are as different as we all. It may simply be a thoughtless attempt to follow the fashion, or a desire to highlight some important events in life, both positive and negative. Anyway, in most cases men make tattoos because they think it is cool and look great.

Speaking about choosing a tattoo, it should be mentioned that there are usually 2 types of men. The first group is very particular about choosing a tattoo, they will think it over for months before actually make up their mind to do it. Moreover, they will be very particular about safety of procedure and thus, won’t allow just anybody to injure their body. The second group is not as heavily involved in the selection process; they are likely to make choice more spontaneously. A lot of these men may have been longing for a tattoo for some time but never really reflected on why they want one. They'll generally choose a tattoo because of how it looks rather than what it represents.

While choosing a tattoo you should remember that there 5 essential types of tattoos: abstractions, naturalistic and pledge tattoos, and simplifications and complex structures.

Abstractions
These are mostly tattoos derived from primitive styles of tattooing. They don't normally consist of much artwork and are often made with black ink and classic gray shading. The most popular tribal and Celtic style tattoos, Old English lettering and Chinese symbols all fall into this category.
Location: · Abstraction tattoos around the navel, chest, and calves seem to be all the rage among younger men.
· Older men tend to get abstraction tattoos on their shoulders, arms and upper back.

Naturalistic tattoos
These are realistic looking tattoos. They do need much technique, imagination and skills. Naturalistic tattoos generally cost more since they require minute detailing and hence more time to create. Popular styles of naturalistic tattoos include faces of Native Americans and religious leaders.

Dedication tattoos
These tattoos include the popular heart and name banner style tattoos, the anchor with a ship name, and the insignia of a military regiment. Also called "pledges," they are often found in sailor or "traditional" western tattooing. Taking into account the fact that they are usually part of the standard assortment of tattoos, they're usually less expensive.

Simplification tattoos
Simplifications are also referred to as stylized tattoos and appear in all shapes, sizes and styles. A simplification can be an action figurine, or one of those standard pictures you'll find on the wall of most tattoo shops, such as a tiger or a flower. Popular simplifications include panthers and lions, which represent strength and power.

Complex tattoos
These tattoos include traditional Japanese body suits, most half-sleeves, and jumbles of unrelated images with no connecting theme or fill work. Complex tattoos are normally an amalgamation of various tattoos -- that's why they're usually more imposing than other types of tattoos.

When you know what type of tattoo you are going to have, be sure to have it professionally and safely done! Find a reputable tattoo parlor, ask for positive and negative opinions if any. Do not hesitate to ask questions – they are dealing with your health, after all. Make sure the parlor is clean and sanitized at all times.

When everything is clear about the parlor, find a good professional. If you don’t want to be hurt or to get something you didn’t actually mean, be very particular in this area. To find a professional tattoo artist near you, ask those with fine looking tattoos where they had them done. Once you have a couple of names, flip through each artist's portfolio and drop in the parlor to watch them work on a couple of clients before making a final decision.

If still you feel you are not ready to make a tattoo, you may try a henna tattoo first. It will disappear in several weeks or a month. And within this time you’ll be able to decide whether you want a tattoo or you are quite all right without it!

Be sure to buy good shoes!

Whether it is spring or not, it is not that important when we speak about good quality shoes. Because a smart-dressed man is sure to have good shoes, let’s say, in reserve. Do you know how to choose good shoes and not get lost? Here are some things, you should keep in mind while choosing your new shoes. You can recognize quality shoes by these 4 main elements: Leather, Stitching, Soles and Lining.

Leather: It goes without saying that the quality of the shoe's leather is the most important aspect of a great looking shoe. Good leather is smooth, pliable, and resilient, has a consistent grain and feels nice to touch. Look closely at the feel and the look of the leather before you buy.

Stitching: If not for decoration purposes, stitching should be hidden. The best quality shoes have stitching that is completely concealed. Exposed stitching signifies poor craftsmanship.

Soles: The soles of shoes should be made of leather and should be attached to the shoe with stitching and not glued. Leather sole thicknesses are different depending on the style of the shoe. The thickness and style shoe you choose depends on personal preference. Good soles are not totally black and if you find a pair that is, check for imperfections it could be painted black to hide flaws.

Lining: Good shoes are lined with high quality calfskin that folds smoothly into the shoe.

As you see, these small easy tips of advice may be of good avail for you, if you are eager to buy nice quality shoes. You should also pay attention to manufacturer and, of course, to your own preferences.

Let’s set your closet to rights!

With the approach of spring not only women but also men, who are not indifferent to their appearance, start thinking about their clothes and their wardrobe. I hope, men won’t get offended if I say that we are likely to make a mess out of our closet and thus, find it difficult to choose an appropriate thing to wear in the morning. Isn’t it time we changed the situation?

It is not at all difficult. First of all, find spare time to set your closet to rights. If you don’t want (and I’m sure you don’t) to have clothes that are too loose, too big or too small, let’s get rid of everything you don’t need.

Remove everything out of your closet. You didn’t even expect to have such a rich wardrobe? There are things you never wore? You are doing the right thing, continue…

Separate clothes into 3 piles:
1. Items that are worn out, badly stained, too big, too small, to itchy, wrong color, you don’t like and those that you haven’t worn in a year or more – these you are not going to wear for sure!
2. Items you like but require mending or altering.
3. Clothing you like and looks good on you. Items that need something to go with them to complete an outfit.

Now let’s concentrate on the third pile – the clothes you like and are sue to wear. Have a look at it and try to make several ensembles – what can be matched with what? How many separates can you make into interesting looks by tying them together with a necktie? Make a shopping list of all the items you need to complete outfits. If not knowing how to coordinate is where you fall short, enlist the help of a friend or professional.

When everything is clear with your clothes, put them beck into the closet. Be sure to do it in such a way, that you can easily find what you need: suits, jeans, shirts, pants. Hang ties on horizontal tie racks where they are easy to see. Organize sweaters, knit shirts and jeans on shelves or store them in containers at the top of your closet. Do not forget about wooden hangers – your clothes will serve you longer!

It is a mistaken belief that men do not have to take care of their wardrobe and their closet! Women like those men, who look their best and don’t have to clean Augean stables once a year, because they keep the house (closet, kitchen, bedroom) clean all year long!

Looking for a watch?

A good expensive watch is a dream of every man. We may not be obsessed with fashion as the majority of women are, because we have lots of other things to take care of, but a good watch has always been an embodiment of style and the most important man’s accessory. Thus, we tend to buy the most expensive watch we can afford at the moment.

Here are several watches in different price-range.

COMPANY: Esquire WatchesPRICE: $229.00 USWHO SHOULD BUY IT: This watch is perfectly suited for any young professional or recent university graduate. A quality watch that won't hurt your bank account.WHY THIS WATCH IS GREAT: Esquire is owned by Movado who makes the famous "Museum Watch", the watches with the blank faces except for the dot at 12 o’clock. Basically, you are getting the quality of a $1000 watch with a $300 price tag. This watch is sporty enough to be worn with jeans and sophisticated enough to be worn with a suit. It has the standard features of any good watch: 100m water resistant, and a stainless steel bracelet.

COMPANY: Tag HeuerPRICE: $1,495 USWHO SHOULD BUY IT: Any professional who wants to show that he is refined, knows quality and has some money to burn.WHY THIS WATCH IS GREAT: Tag Heuer watches are famed for their quality and finish. Each Kirium Model has a high polished steel case and bracelet, electric blue dial, date calendar, quartz movement, unidirectional bezel, screw down crown, and 39mm case diameter. It is extremely sophisticated and rich looking. These men's watches stand out, the shiny silver casing and blue face will immediately be spotted by anyone who recognizes quality watches.

COMPANY: RolexPRICE: $2,975 USWHO SHOULD BUY IT: Any executive, young businessmen, entrepreneurs, who don’t mind a little dent in their wallets.WHY THIS WATCH IS GREAT: It’s a Rolex which means you can scuba dive with it, wash your car with it, take into the shower, sleep with it, and wear it to black-tie events. It won’t break, it will last forever and the time accuracy is incredible. This particular model, the Submariner Oyster Perpetual Date, has a stainless steel case and bracelet, is pressure-proof to 1000 feet, has a 40mm case diameter, special time lapse bezel, 31 jewel chronometer movement, and synthetic sapphire crystal. Put it this way: buy this watch and you will be in the top 1% of the population at the top of timepiece refinement.

Need more height? Choose the “right” clothes

It goes without saying that almost all men want to look a bit taller. And not everybody knows that it is possible to add 2-3 inches to your height, knowing and following some tricks.

· Be careful while wearing hats. It is even advisable that you avoid wearing them. Hats have a tendency to make you appear shorter. Avoid cuffed trousers and long suit jackets.

· Dress in the solid colors from head to toe. Choose a color that is dark and complements your skin tone. Give preference to suits in dark colors.

· Wear clothes that suit your body type and are form fitting. A lot of men don't pay attention to how a garment fits and wear styles that are too big and baggy. Clothes that are tailored to fit your shape will have a much more slimming effect and will add height. Mind it while choosing your next piece of clothes.

· When choosing a sweater avoid those of a bulky nature and opt for those that are thin. As well as bulky sweaters, layers of clothing will also create the illusion of pounds and make you appear shorter.

· Wear clothes that have vertical lines, such as single-breasted jackets and pin stripes. Avoid horizontal stripes, bold colors and plaids.

Following these simple tips of advice you will not only add several inches to your height, but will also throw some new light to your personality and your image.

What about a belt?

A fashionable man is fashionable in everything. If you have made up your mind to follow the fashion, you cannot neglect any part of your wardrobe including accessories, which are surely part and parcel of your style.

Today I’d like to draw your attention to belts and some tips as far as choosing the right one for you. It is important, because with the right chosen belt you can look as if dressed to the nines, but if not – oops, you’ll look like a tun with an iron rim.

So, let’s concentrate on choosing the belt for you:

· While buying a belt have a look on its tag, which indicates the size of a belt. It is advisable that you buy a belt whose size is bigger than your waist size. For example, if your waist size is 32, buy a belt of size 36 or 40.

· Always look out for a belt which is not costlier than your shoes or clothes. At the same time, never buy a belt that’s so cheap as to make your outfit and appearance shabby. Try to find the golden mean!

· Consider the width of the belts seriously while shopping. Belts, one or one and a half inches wide are ideal for formal wear. If it’s over two inches wide, it falls under the casual category.

· The length of the belt should be such so as to make it easier for you to buckle it tightly in the middle hole.

· Remember the color and finish of your shoes before finalizing a belt. This is because of a thumb rule according to which the color of both, the belt and shoes should match. Do not forget about it!

· If you are buying a belt for work, give preference to leather belts that have a glossy and reflective finish. For informal events you can choose amongst the canvas or cloth belts.

· All types of belts have some types of tightening clamps or buckles. While choosing a belt remember that flat and long buckles go well with formal apparels. Whereas, the big, bulky and flashy buckles are meant for party wear and casual dresses.

· Leave the printed, studded, cowboy belts or the ones in unusual colors for celebrities and fashion models. Even if you are buying the belt for a party, analyze your personality and choose the belt accordingly. In the long run, you are buying a belt to wear it at least several times, not once!

It is never early to think about new sunglasses!

Sunglasses not only protect your eyes from the sun's dangerous UV rays, they are also part and parcel of your style and your image. The only thing you should mind here is the quality and style – choose the pair of sunglasses to fit your face and emphasize your masculinity and facial features.

In order to find something fashionable and appropriate, you should know what is in fashion now, and then make your choice. Here is a short review of popular and stylish sunglasses.

Aviator. These sunglasses look great with different styles, starting from jeans and a T-shirt and ending with a suit. Aviator sunglasses usually have larger rectangular frames that round out at the bottom, and have metal rims.

Plastic Protectors. You may not be afraid of buying these sunglasses - plastic frames are still in style and will probably remain so for a long time. You can find sporty plastic shades such as wraps by Bolle or Stussy, more revamped glasses from Oakley, or classier shades by designer brands such as Gucci or Ray-Ban. Another benefit – these sunglasses may be worn almost with everything!

Rimless. Rimless sunglasses are unlikely to lose their popularity this season as well. They are more fragile because they have no rims whatsoever surrounding the lens. They're also a great option if you have trouble finding sunglasses that suit you, as the lack of rims makes the sunglasses subtler.

Shielding your eyes. These sunglasses cover your eye completely; as for the clothes to wear them with, keep in mind that shields look great with jeans and a shirt, or straight leg pants with a jean jacket. They're not as suitable with a suit and you may not want to blend them with a leather jacket, as it might be too much.

As a real fashion connoisseur, you are sure to know that details usually form the fashion. Thus, adding a small detail to your style you can change the whole impression of yourself (of course, positive).

Speaking of metal, the arms, bridge and rims (if they exist on your pair) of most sunglasses are made of titanium. In other words, it's a stronger, lighter and more flexible metal. This season sunglasses with two bridges are quite appropriate. Do not be afraid of small experiments! Speaking about color, sunglasses are either tinted in one color, such as blue, brown or amber, or the lens is tinted with a gradient, in which the lens' color changes gradually from one shade of the color to another.

Remember the most important thing – your super-sunglasses should come in good combination with your outfit. If that doesn’t happen, even your coolest sunglasses are not worth wearing, because our main purpose is forming if not ideal, then at least close to it style to make you stand out from the herd due to your excellent taste and style!