Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Tips for sweat-proofing your clothes

Another problem, which can spoil the mood of many men in summer, is sweating. It goes without saying that men sweat more than women do, and thus speaking about sweating men usually speak not only about unpleasant sensation, but also about ruining their clothes.

But where is a will there is a way and you can (and you should!) save your image and your clothes from the sweat stains. The first and the most important essential is never to neglect antiperspirant. The market suggests antiperspirants to fit any taste, choose one which protects against bacteria and therefore neutralizes odor from sweat.

If sweating has turned into a real problem for you, consider special products, which can prevent sweating and thus ruining your clothes. These products include sweat block pads, which are cloths that have been presoaked in industrial-strength antiperspirant. It is recommended that you apply these pads to your underarms every seven days to help prevent sweating. Alternately, you may use some underarm sweat pads. These have a sticky side that adheres to your skin, forming a physical barrier between your sweat and clothing.

Buy appropriate shoes. Not wear the same pair every day – try to give your shoes a chance to air out. Although you should avoid wearing the same shoes day after day, do change your socks daily to avoid contracting a fungal infection that thrives in moist, sweaty and bacteria-ridden conditions. Give the inside of your shoes a quick spray with a shoe deodorizer or use an OTC foot powder to help absorb sweat.
Do not buy canvas shoes, because they will make your feet sweat too much and smell will be as unpleasant as your own sensations. Moreover, consider slipping a moisture-absorbing insole into your shoes to further reduce bacteria and odor.

If you sweat a lot during the day, soak your shirt in extremely cold water as soon as you cone back home. In order to get rid of white sweat stains, turn your shirt inside out and apply the stain remover to the inside of your shirt. This works better than applying a stain-removing product to the outside of your shirt because you’re trying to lift the stain out of the fabric, not rub it further into the fibers. Leave the shirt for a couple of minutes and than wash it.

On particularly hot days, give preference to “breathing” fabrics like cotton, silk, linen or light wool instead of polyester or other synthetics and blended fabrics. Natural fibers allow your skin to breathe more, meaning you’ll sweat less. When the mercury really rises, even if you plan to wear cotton or linen, pick feather-light pieces and choose shirts that are slightly larger than the size you usually wear to encourage air circulation and sweat evaporation. When it comes to colors, white or pale pastels will deflect more of the sun’s rays, so you’ll feel the heat less in these softer shades.

Sweating as a natural and important process can sometimes become really bothering, especially when it interferes with your self-assertion and ruins your clothes. Follow some of these tips and you will be able to lessen the effects of sweating on your life.

Monday, May 19, 2008

Sunglasses 2008 Review

Speaking about modern trends and tendencies for Spring-Summer 2008 I couldn’t ignore Sunglasses theme. They do change forms and colors every season. If you are one of those who keep in step with fashion, this sunglasses review is for you.

This year is not an exception and it also brought new tendencies as far as sunglasses are concerned: the focus is on sophisticated, subtle frames and refined, graduated lenses.
Aviators
Giorgio Armani Double Bridge Aviators

Price: $265

Two fashion icons are combined in the Giorgio Armani Double Bridge Aviators. Armani, known for his sleek sophistication, brings his signature touch to a style of shades that’s an all-time staple in men’s fashion -- aviators. This particular pair of 2008 sunglasses demonstrates the suave, masculine appeal found in simple lines and classic design.


Oliver Peoples Aero Sunglasses

Price: $350

Fashioned from smooth metal and in-the-moment gradient lenses, these shades create a superbly posh image. When you couple their fast-paced appeal with their hidden-away comforts, the Aeros can make any average Joe look like a big-shot playboy.



Shields

Diesel Palladium Shield Sunglasses

Price: $180

With their oversize lenses and sleek frames, Diesel Palladium Shield Sunglasses complete with hip detailing above the bridge and temple, these 2008 sunglasses rock an edgy vibe that’s somewhere between sporty and self-righteous.



Wraparounds

Dolce & Gabbana Sport Wrap Sunglasses

Price: $250

Thanks to their aerodynamic shape and smooth lines, these shades are sophisticatedly athletic as well as chicly cosmopolitan. For guys on the go, D&G’s wraparounds give them the versatility they need to coincide with the image they want to project.


Geometrics

Gucci Rectangular Rimless Sunglasses

Price: $265

All the flash and allure that characterizes Gucci makes its presence known in these rectangular shades. Going high-end without the rims and with the diamond effect along the arm, this pair of 2008 sunglasses can only be classified as affluent and on-point. And adding to the overall style are the in-vogue gradient lenses that create an upper-crust, modern sophistication.

Plastic frames

Cole Haan Acetate Rectangle

Price: $198

Black plastic shades are in -- and these from Cole Haan indicate the many reasons why. Aside from being wildly versatile, these shades in particular bring a classy, vintage adeptness to any guy’s look. They are equal parts modish and retro. So, if you like useful, utilitarian, utopian style, these glasses are just what you need.



Half Rims

Gucci Sunglasses


Price: $180



Suited for guys who like that “just back from the Riviera” look, this particular pair of 2008 sunglasses combines contemporary, high-end design with all the distinctive elements of its maker; first-class sophistication, anyone?



Together with these quite pricy sunglasses you may give preference to less expensive, but also stylish and rather sophisticated. Besides, all the variety of styles and modern tendencies may be emphasized with the help of this accessory.

Friday, May 16, 2008

What to wear in summer…

When it’s time for summer wardrobe and summer changes, we should pay attention not only to clothes itself, but to footwear as to an integral part of creating stylish and well-balanced ensemble. It is true to say, that when it comes to choosing a pair of shoes, men usually do not have that variety of colors, forms, shapes etc., which women do. Generally speaking, it is not that bad, without the need for a separate shoe closet, men easily have enough choice in their footwear wardrobe to create distinctive, classic and signature warm weather looks for every day of the week.

While getting dressed each morning, you should concentrate on your image as on one integral system, where each detail is important. Speaking about shoes, four main categories are usually distinguishes, each one dictates your overall choice of clothing and corresponding footwear.

Business Wear = traditional suits, formal office wear, important meetings, conservative blazer and dress trousers.Traditional laced business shoes / slips-ins

Business Casual = general office wear, professional but not necessarily formal, wider range of sport coats paired with dress and casual trousers, finer polo shirts and dress khakis or chinos.Lighter colored dress shoes / loafers / suede bucks / rubber soled casual shoes

Social = going out, lawn parties, social but not necessarily casual eventsDriving moccasins / casual loafers with contrast stitching / boat shoes / canvas tennis shoes

Weekend Wear = casual, relaxing, friends and errands or choresBoat Shoes / Camp moccasins / Birkenstocks & sandals / canvas tennis shoes

It is to be noted that business wear and business casual do not really change much during warm weather. If wearing a business suit, traditional black, brown and cordovan footwear are still your best choices. These cap toes, oxfords, balmorals and slip-ins will also work with brighter shirt and tie combinations you may want to try out.

For those men who like to switch to light colored dress shoes in warm months, it is necessary to admit that this can be a difficult trick to pull off because softer colored leathers – creams, pale tans and other earth tones – can look both affected and aesthetically unsettling. It takes a very specific kind of outfit to provide the same level of professionalism and balance that traditional darker colors offer.

Dressing for a business casual environment brings in a different class of footwear. When pairing your shoes with lightweight chinos, linen or other summer fabrics, penny loafers and boat shoes are traditional options that reduce the formality while still not straying into weekend territory.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Create your own fashion

Fashion of the 21st century is very changeable. New tendencies and new trends appear every day and it is really not quite easy to keep in step with all of them and remain fashionable. I’ve said several times already and would like to draw your attention once again to the concept of fashion and individual style. Fashion and fashion tendencies exist for all people and are considered as generally accepted. If some piece of clothes is in fashion, all people of fashion are dying to get it. But it is necessary to remember that it is not enough to buy a fashionable shirt and consider yourself a real connoisseur of fashion. Fashion is a wider notion and combines lots of other important details and shades, including your taste, your skills of coordination, your outlook, and the way you understand and see your style.

In my blog I try to deal with those questions which can be really important for every man – together we learn how to be fashionable and stylish. How do you understand these two notions: fashionable and stylish? Are these synonyms? Do they mean the same? I’d say that they are very close in meaning, but still have some difference. Fashionable and stylish are regarded as synonyms in the majority of dictionaries and are defined as being or in accordance with current social fashions. I wouldn’t combine these words into one notion. Stylish is always fashionable, but fashionable is not always stylish! If you dress tastefully, you are said to be stylish, but if you are eager to buy only fashionable clothes and don’t know how to wear it – you are risking to be laughed at – measure should be in fashion as well!

There is one more thing I’d like to draw your attention to: some men prefer wearing those clothes which they consider comfortable and flattering for themselves. Even it these clothes are the regards from the past. I have no right to say that you cannot wear this or that thing, just because I think that I know about fashion more than you do. My only piece of advice in that case will be: make your clothing choices relevant to today. Be yourself and think of that image and that style you feel comfortable with and don’t forget about the time you live in.

Saturday, May 3, 2008

Contrast-collar Shirts on the Top!

The real hit of 80th is on the top today again! Contrast-collar shirts revived their popularity with new tendencies and new approaches for wearing and pairing. Pair such a shirt with the right piece of clothes and you are sure to gain new original emphasis to your image!

Let’s consider several variants of your updated image:

With a blazer


Try pairing a blue striped contrast-collar shirt with a navy blazer and watch the intriguing interplay between the two. Not only will the blue hues of the shirt and the jacket harmonize with one another, but the white accents of the collar and the stripes will add some unexpected texture and pop to the traditional shirt-and-blazer routine.





With denim
Choosing a contrast-collar shirt, especially one of a darker color like black, as your going-out option with dark rinse jeans will be a wise decision - all the typical solid button-ups in the bar will pale in comparison. The dramatic touch of the collar will be attention-grabbing not only for the outfit, but for you as well, especially, keeping in mind that having got new life, contrast-collar shirts became more appropriate for going out somewhere in town than for spending long working hours at the office.

With a cardigan


The contrast-collar shirt is reminiscent of ‘80s style and class; the stark distinction between the collar and shirt evokes status, and it’s still present in today’s version. So play up the “Greed Decade” charm by pairing a contrast-collar shirt with another item that also enjoys a nostalgic, defined-by-the-‘80s allure, like a cardigan. Using a cardigan as a less formal counter to the uptight reputation of the shirt allows you to pull off an intricately and surprisingly stylish look. Do not be afraid to look outdated – remember that people create fashion! Tomorrow you’ll see lots of guys wearing the same things you do, because it is not only fashionable – it is also convenient, stylish and enjoyable!

With a jacket

The new laid-back style of contrast-collar shirts can easily liven up your everyday shirt collection. With their newly found unfussiness, these shirts provide a dapper alternative to boring solids for a day of running about. So, on your next day of running errands, mix it up by simply rocking a contrast-collar shirt under a sophisticated jacket. The effortless combination of a brown-checked model with a sleek gray raincoat creates a hip look for any guy; going out in a particular combo such as this clearly articulates an accomplished sense of relevance, style and grace.



With a vest

Worn accordingly, the contrast-collar shirt still retains some of its former glory as a high-power alternative to boring button-ups. Yes, it does have a calmer demeanor these days, but that’s not to say it can’t get down to business. For the fashion elite, the contrast-collar shirt underneath a classic vest translates into fashion-forwardness: The classiness of the shirt is played up by the elegance of the vest, making them a handsome duo. So, on those days when you want to ratchet up the volume, try pairing a checked contrast-collar shirt with a striped vest for best results.

With khakis

Today’s version of the contrast-collar shirt can speak for itself. Gone is the need for a power suit or tie; the modern option works just fine on its own. Its smooth sophistication, which comes naturally, makes it a stand-alone shirt perfect for a relaxed day at work or for out on a date. And given the colors available, especially the brighter choices like purple, the contrast-collar shirt is a fine selection for a classic pair of khakis; the subtleness of both will work in tandem with one another to create a casually cool look that’s flattering for guys who enjoy a modernly traditional style.

The 80th have sank into oblivion, but we have managed to keep their visiting card – contrast collar shirt with us. It did change some of its major motives, but at the same time remained very stylish and rather unusual in comparison with all other every day pieces of clothes. Having changed its main purposes from business to casual, contrast-collar shirt is now one of the most popular things to wear!