Your summer image 2008

When it comes to summer, people are likely to considerably change their wardrobe, not always understanding quite clearly, why they have bought this or that thing, that doesn’t go with anything else.

Here are some modern tendencies for the summer 2008, which, to tell the truth, will surely remain timely next summer as well.

Lighten up
Think drawstring pants, Henley shirts, thermal tops, tapered trousers and fabrics such as silk, light wool, and distressed cotton will be of good avail at the hottest day. Patterns and colors are important as well. Light colors, understated stripes, and some seam detail here and there are key. A faded Henley with a cotton suit is a perfect match. Thermals go with just about anything, and, of course, are a great layer to keep warm on cool nights.

Do not abandon sweaters
It is true to say that all sweater types from crewneck to v-neck to sweater vests can be found in more luxurious, softer gauges, suitable just for cool summer nights. Best of all, you can find a fashionable, transitional sweater at any price. And because it can be worn with everything from a formal suit to jeans and everything in between, it will also be one of the most versatile pieces you own.

Immortal jeans and denim
Resist buying the pre-washed, pre-torn, pre-fabricated look off the rack. Instead, buy a pair of jeans you love that fit great and work with your style and start to work on them yourself. Wear them often. Let them stretch so the heels drag a little bit, guaranteeing a subtle fray on the seam.
When it comes time to wash, it's best to give them a good scrub in your tub with cold water, a little detergent and some vinegar to prevent fading. If you want a wrinkled effect, wrap them in rubber bands and let them dry.

Do not be afraid of experimenting with colors
Summer is the time of bright colors and experiments. Do not hide your individuality - go for a pair of red leather slip-ons. You'd be surprised at how well they mix with a pair of dark or gray jeans. Throw on a tee and a blazer (be sure to incorporate the color elsewhere in the outfit) and the shoes become the thing that ties your look together.

Wear those things you fill comfortable in, give preference to natural breathing fabrics and enjoy summer 2008 in full!!!

Pros and Cons of Belts Wearing

Lots of men consider belts to be an integral part of their image. In most cases it is really so, but it is also true, that more often or not, you may avoid wearing belts all together.

Those men, who are used to wearing braces, consider belts to be absolutely useless. Moreover, they claim that with the belts you are likely to have more inconvenience than convenience having to hike up your trousers several times during a day. This belief can be easily neglected taking into account the fact, that the majority of young men wear their trousers on their waists, thus avoiding the problem of trousers slipping down. The hips – that gap just below the first ridge of your hipbones – provide a fairly stable location for the waist of your trousers. The swell of bone above and below stops them moving.

Another way to make your trousers fit you perfectly is to choose the right belt. Make sure it fits you perfectly! The best way to do this is to have a belt cut to your waist size and punctured with holes at your precise measurements, with perhaps one either side to be safe.

If you are eager to create a smart and stylish image, you may avoid wearing a belt – thus, nothing will distract attention from your ideally chosen suit and colors. This is especially topical, if you have a necktie or a handkerchief. In case, you don’t have any accessory, belt will be a nice addition to your image. It is also a natural accessory for a casual outfit – with odd jackets, with tweed, cotton or linen.

Be sure to take care of your belt! It will get worn and fray over time, but this can be mitigated with cleaning and an occasional polish. Wearing a frayed belt is akin to wearing unpolished shoes – no matter how much of a favorite they might be, it just looks scruffy.

What about a white suit?

There appear moments in every man’s life, when he would like to wear a white suit. Sure thing, when a person is dressed in white, he/she attracts much more attention and it is quite normal – all the details, including plusses and minuses, are evident to everybody. If you are going to wear a white suit, you should know some dos and don’ts.

1. Choose appropriate season and appropriate weather. You are unlikely to look your best at a rainy day, wearing your best white suit.

2. The white suit is a fashion suit, so look for one that's a slim fit with two buttons, and also tailored to your shoulders and tapered at the waist.

3. Pair your suit with appropriate colors:

Dress shirts: To prove you know how to wear a white suit, opt for dress shirts in soft pastels (light blues, lilacs) or white with a pinpoint collar. A button-down collar is too conservative and a broad or cutaway collar is much too formal. Also, forget about any embroidery or patterns on the shirt. Keep it extremely simple.

Shoes: Experiment with a brown or black oxford or loafer. If you opt for a black loafer, by all means stay away from anything adorned with a piece of metal. That fashion ship has sailed and we all hope it remains lost at sea. Also, feel free to go sockless.

Ties: Keep your tie as simple as possible. A solid black tie will always work.

4. Apart from classical basics, you are free to wear your white suit by pairing the jacket with a distressed pair of jeans, black loafers and a black or white dress shirt. This look is best suited for the evening and can be pulled off into early fall.

5. As for the choice of the suit, it’s completely up to you – you likes and dislikes, your clothes budget etc. Do not try to save on quality and quantity – you’ll have to pay twice!

Fashion Tips for Fat Men

As well as skinny men, men with overweight also want to look their best and there is nothing strange here. To improve your looks and self-esteem you are to work more at your own figure, keep to diets or choose some other weight loss programs which are acceptable for you. Anyway you don’t have to wait that long to look and feel your best. The correct chosen clothes and these pieces of advice will help you.

Do not wear too tight clothes
Your clothes should fit perfectly. Too loose clothes will make you look like a large mountain and garments that are too tight will reveal all the lumps and bumps you’d rather hide. Take care when shopping to choose pieces that skim over your body and smooth out its surface.

Avoid tops with sloped shoulders
Tops with naturally sloped shoulders are likely to draw the eye down to your midsection. Instead, check to make sure that all your tops have slightly squared shoulders as these will concentrate others’ attention on your body to your chest and face.

Wear low-rise bottoms
Low-rise trousers have a shorter distance between the top of the waistband and the crotch of your pants than regular trousers. Also, ensure that the waistband of your pants is large enough to accommodate your midsection so that your belly does not stick out over your pants. A stomach that protrudes over your pants lengthens your torso and shortens your legs -- not exactly the most attractive combination. Rotund individuals should also avoid pants with pleats as they will make your pelvic area look bigger.

Avoid baggage in your pockets
Emptying your pockets of unnecessary items like bulky cell phones, overstuffed wallets and electronic devices will take the focus off a large midsection. On your pants, have any bulky side pockets sewn shut or removed by a good tailor. Doing so won’t cost much and it will make your hips appear smaller.

Don’t wear bold patterns
Avoid loud or bold patterns as they will make you stand out drawing attention to the upper half of your body. You should, however, wear pattern with vertical lines as they create optical continuity and will help elongate the look of your body. Dark, solid colors are also your new best friend as they are an instant figure fixer and will make you seem 10 pounds thinner.

Wear three-button not bulky blazers
Three-button blazers are just as classic as two-button blazers, but they will elongate your body and make you appear taller, and therefore thinner. As well, always leave the top button on your blazer undone as it will stop your clothes from pulling, particularly in the area around your middle, and consequently, your movement will seem less restricted. Avoiding bulky fabrics means that chunky wool sweaters are a big no-no. To stay warm in the winter, go crazy for cashmere as it provides warmth without adding bulk to your figure. Or, try a dress shirt and V-neck sweater vest combination as the sweater vest will keep you warm while also smoothing out your midsection and love handles. For suits, choose softer wools so that the fabric is as thin as possible. Invest in high-quality, lightweight wool suits if you can afford them as these will be the most flattering suits for your body and you’ll feel and look like a million bucks when you put them on.

Wear pants with a longer hem
Long pants will make you seem taller and thinner. They should hit almost at the ground to really lengthen your body. If you’re wearing shoes with a heel, the bottom of your pants should hit about a quarter to a half inch above the heel, no more.

Fashion tips for skinny men

They say, it's not the gay coat that makes the gentleman. How to become a real gentleman or a hot macho each of us decides for himself. But what we cannot do – we cannot considerably change what the nature has given to us. Some of us are too skinny and some have (no offences!) overweight. But we all want to look our best and to hide drawbacks under the well and correctly chosen clothes.

It is possible to emphasize all the good you have (I mean, figure) with the help of clothes. If you are skinny and find it really difficult to find something appealing to your taste and to your physique, you shouldn’t be down in the mouth – there is always a way out. You may join a gym and start lifting weights, alongside eating more protein and other foods that will add muscle mass to a bony body. If that doesn’t help or if you hate exercises, you may simply choose clothes that will make you look larger than you really are.

No slim fitting shirts
Avoiding slim-fitting dress shirts and T-shirts is an important fashion tip for skinny men. It is recommended that you opt for tops that come away slightly from your midsection as these will hide a small ribcage. However, don't buy your tops too large, as too much extra fabric will make you seem like you’re swimming in your shirt. In addition, avoid clingy fabrics.

Give preference to blazers with small shoulder padding
Purchasing blazers with light shoulder padding will make your body look more muscular. Mind that bigger is not better here, as small shoulder pads will give your back and chest a visual boost, but massive padding will make you seem like a small boy lost in a man's jacket in addition to cheapening your look, even if your blazer is pricey.

Wear jackets at the right length
When it comes to jackets, make sure they all fall right under your buttocks. A shorter jacket will emphasize your height as well as your skinny waist, arms and legs. A longer jacket, on the other hand, can make you look like a blanket-covered stick.

Buy flat-front pants
Wear pants with a classic cut and flat front. You may also wear pants with pleats, cuffs and pockets, as they volume, but do it only when these things are in fashion.

Wear turtlenecks and crewneck
For skinny men turtleneck or crewneck sweaters in chillier weather are quite a nice choice. V-neck sweaters will expose your neck and thin features. Similarly, open-collared shirts won’t flatter you, so button up your dress shirts as much as possible. Pay attention to the collar when you’re buying dress shirts and pick ones that have spread collars as they will make the upper portion of your chest seem wider.

Give preference to bulky fabrics
Thick corduroy, wool and other bulky fabrics, when in fashion, will add you more mass. Whether you’re dressing up or down, always dress in layers as more clothes means you appear to have more mass.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Pleats: for and against

Even if you granddad says it is the latest fashion and that without pleats your trousers cannot be worn, it’s just the case when you can and have to stand your own ground. It is necessary to know that pleats are only useful if you wear your trousers high, or if you are overweight. Otherwise you may avoid them all together!

If the trousers are worn on your natural waist (it is above your hip bones), pleats are appropriate. The waist is normally the slimmest point on a person, which is one reason men wore their trousers there, and why jackets are nipped in there – to accentuate the difference in width from shoulder to waist. Pleats, worn on the waist, can be flattering for larger men. They mean that their trousers fall straight down rather than going in first, highlighting a belly.

If your trousers have a high rise (the length from crotch to waistband) and are sitting on your waist, they need to go out before they go in. They need to expand from this slim point to get up and over the hip bones. Otherwise they would be skintight from the waist all the way down to the middle of the thighs. Pleats are necessary. They enable this expansion neatly and elegantly, dovetailing back into the line of the trousers when width is no longer needed after the mid-thigh point.

But you do not need them if you wear your trousers on your hips (as most do these days). This is also easy to determine – your trousers sit on the hip bone. The skin has hard hip bone underneath, not squidgy stomach. Pleats worn on the hips make your thighs look like melons. They create needless volume. Combine pleats with a sharp narrowing to the ankle, and cuffs at the bottom of the trouser, and you have the abomination of so many American khakis. The pleats give volume at the top of the leg. The narrow ankle accentuates this proportion. And the cuffs make your leg two inches shorter.

So, now you have at least the slightest inkling of how and when pleats may be flattering and when you should get rid of them, if you don’t want to look ridiculous.

Three essentials for buying clothes

There are so many things we should keep in mind in order to be stylish, fashionable and look our best! It is sometimes next to impossible to notice all those details which do form our style and behavior and thus, other people’s attitude towards us. Still there are some essentials which cannot be ignored: these are fit, color and fashion.

What thing is the most important for you while buying a piece of clothes? Fit, color or fashion? It is necessary to point out that all three parameters are part and parcel of your successful purchase.

While buying a thing, you should first of all take into account whether it really suits you, then whether it is your color and only in the end, if it is stylish, fashionable and extraordinary. These gradual steps can be easily explained. If you buy the most expensive thing, it is sure to lose all its originality if it doesn’t fit you. The classic silhouette of a suit is classic because it flatters a man more than almost anything else. Even women that eschew formal wear – and therefore suits – for their men, find they prefer t-shirts, jeans, sweaters that fit well. If a t-shirt is skin-tight, has no waist or has a collar that covers your Adam’s apple, it will look unattractive.

Coming up to color, keep in mind some general tips of advice: bright colors with black look cheap; brown rather than black with blue; reds and greens for those with ruddy complexions; stronger colors for those with darker skin; white makes you look tanned unless you are already too white.

If you feel comfortable in this piece of clothes and sees that the color is also yours, even a bit outdated thing may look OK. But never vice versa!

Cycles in Fashion Trends

They say that everything in our life is developing in a spiral. The same saying concerns fashion as well. Remember, “everything new is simply well forgotten all”? It is just about fashion, thus, we’ve come to the conclusion that fashion, as well as all our human history, is cyclical. The main point for understanding is that in our life we don’t live through so many cycles, and sometimes cannot even notice these obvious changes.

Some things travel from one generation to another. They stay with us for a while and then are replaced by the new coil of fashion. Sure thing, they bring the fashion of 2008 with them, but original design and form remain the same. Here are some typical examples.

Slim trousers have been in the ascendancy in men’s fashion for almost a decade now. From their first daring suggestion on the catwalk, through gradual acceptance as the norm in high-end tailoring, to the point now where it is hard to find anything other than straight or skinny jeans in high-street stores. This is the end point: as soon as your mate Dave (who knows as much about fashion as he does about French literature – Beckham and the three musketeers is about it) is wearing narrow jeans, the trend is finished. The high street is saturated and the designers are searching for something new.

That was the cycle. The next cycle will see a different shape dominate – bootcut is the current favorite. But because the cycle is so long, it could last the whole of your twenties. You will identify slim trousers with your youth, and bootcut will seem like a breath of fresh air – a more mature, flattering shape. It will seem like an original trend since, even though it was popular in the past, you weren’t around to wear it.

The same would be true of baggy jeans or flairs. They may not be original, but that hardly matters. You didn’t get to wear them before.

You really only get two of these cycles, possibly three. By the time you are into your thirties, you may stop noticing anything about trends or fashion. And even if you end up wearing the dominant shape of the times, you will hardly notice. You may even keep the same pair of jeans for decades – many men do.

So don’t criticize fashion cycles for being unoriginal. You only get two or three – enjoy them while they last.

Spring brings the change

Do you feel life in every wind movement? Do you want to love and to be loved day and night long? Do you feel that the way you look is somewhat outdated? You do? Congratulations! For you Spring 2008 has come!

If it is so, you need changes in your wardrobe: more brighter colors, more interesting designs and designer decisions.

White shoes
It’s extraordinary how much attention white shoes attract. Nevertheless, they are an excellent and refreshing change from the muddied blacks and browns of winter. They are incredibly versatile but, in rainy weather, they can attract more than attention; save them for sunny, cloud-free days.

Denim
The time of winter denim is now aglow in twilight; the steel and gunmetal greys, the thick blacks and the browns are to be packed away and blue sky, indigo and white are to be deployed as seasonal substitutes. Somehow, gothic tones are the antithesis of what spring represents so, the brighter the better.

Green/Blue/White against Black/Brown/Grey

Green, blue and white are three of the best representatives of the undeniable freshness of spring. They do not need to be particularly bright, but using them in conjunction with less inspiring colours can help to lift an ensemble.

Going sockless
Although it’s a little early yet for such a practice, going sockless is elegant and attractive. With jeans that swing just above the top of a loafer, showing a little ankle on a sunny Sunday looks, and feels, marvelously youthful.

Doing the ‘neckerchief’
To many, one of the joys of warmer weather is not having to wear a scarf to keep warm. However, there are those who miss an adornment for the neck. The solution? To wear a silk handkerchief around the neck with a shirt and sweater or cardigan. It can feel slightly strange at first, but it allows for more color matching or complementation and it looks terribly romantic.

Buy new fragrance
Dumping the spicy and heavy ‘winter scents’ into the ‘winter bin’ leaves space for a spring scent; something fresh, fruity and much lighter, something that will complement your sleek, bright and mouth-watering spring ensembles. There are great options from the likes of Acqua di Parma and Marc Jacobs.

Fit and Silhouette: Synonyms or Different notions?

Can you easily without reading this article distinguish between these two notions: fit and silhouette? Let’s find out whether they have anything in common and in what way they differ.

We shall start with the top of your suit. A suit with massive shoulders, tiny waist or short trousers does not necessarily fit badly. It just has a bad silhouette.

The shoulders of your suit, for example, may end exactly at the edge of your actual shoulders, continuing in one smooth line down the rest of the sleeve. They may, alternatively, extend an extra half an inch to an inch. The line of the shoulders may be square and straight; they may be concave, curving down from the collar and then rising toward the outer edge; they may even be slightly convex.

Any of these styles may fit perfectly. If the shoulders extend slightly beyond your actual shoulders, and have a square, boxy line, they will require extra padding and support. If they curve naturally and with a slightly concave line, they will need to be carefully aligned with the line of your own shoulders, lest these ruin that line.

It is true to say, that these variations create a different silhouette. They do not necessarily fit better or worse than the alternatives. Silhouette is more akin to color or pattern – it is a personal choice, but one that can still be made badly.

Let’s continue our investigation. The waist may be designed to be more or less pinched, creating a more or less defined skirt. If the suit is designed to have a generous waist, but you buy a smaller size to try and achieve a pinched waist, the wool will ripple with complaint when you button up the jacket. You have confused fit and silhouette – in trying to achieve the latter; you have failed in the former.

Moreover, it is likely to fit worse elsewhere, as you are deliberately buying a size too small. Your shoulders will press against the sleevehead. The back will feel constricting.

If the suit were designed to have a pinched waist, the wool would be darted, with slivers of material taken out and sewn back up again. The shoulders and back would fit fine and you would have achieved your desired look.

Silhouette is about what a suit is designed to look like. Fit is about whether a particular size of that design fits to your body. Don’t confuse the two. Be aware of what the suit and its designer are trying to do. Then judge its fit.

What you may wear in Spring 2008

Once we have already talked about modern tendencies for spring-summer 2008. Now I’d like to illustrate these very tendencies with photos from the runways of Milan and Paris:

Neon

This spring designers have thrown in a touch of color, in contrast to previous seasons’ emphasis on neutrals. A touch of bright color can act as a conversation piece, a way to heighten an otherwise bland look, or tie an outfit all together. Still, be sure to keep the color minimal. Try bold colored shoes or an intense button down under a suit jacket. A little neon goes a long, long way.

The Biker Jacket

The biker jacket has made a come back this season, and honestly, what woman can resist the bad boy? This spring, the jacket’s return is a bit more upscale. Gucci’s take on it resulted in leather that was silver, candy apple red, and of course, classic black. Other designers embellished it with strategically placed zippers and studs.

Light Layers

Many designers opted for lightweight and sheer fabrics this season. Translucent, pastel and cream-colored shirts and short-sleeved blazers can be worn over white t-shirts. Calvin Klein even debuted jackets made from Lenticular, a glossy plastic material, for a lighter-than-air result. This look creates a relaxed, minimalist look.

One thing, you should not wear this spring:

Parachute Pants

Although M.C. Hammer will be thrilled, the rest of the male population should absolutely, under no circumstances, be caught dead in these pants. The 80s made some huge fashion faux pas and these ridiculous pants were one of them.

Online shopping possibilities

This piece of information will be of good avail for those busy men who cannot find time and go shopping, for those who’d rather prefer to buy something new with several clicks. It is nice and convenient and becomes more and more popular. Online shopping is convenient, because you may choose something to your liking without queuing for hours and spending half of the day shopping. At the same time, you cannot try the thing on – but it is to be noted that most companies have flexible return policies, detailed product descriptions and a contact e-mail address in case you have any additional queries about either a garment or the ordering and shipping process. Besides, while choosing a thing with the help of the Internet, you may easily compare prices, qualities and latest trends, which also makes online shopping so popular.

Here is the list of the most popular online shops which will offer you rich variety of clothes to everybody’s liking.

Revolve Clothing
www.revolveclothing.com

If you are looking for a site with over 150 brands dedicated to men’s apparel and accessories, you are sure to visit Revolve Clothing. Apart from jeans and T-shirts, Revolve Clothing stocks parkas and waistcoats from Adam + Eve, Hawaiian-style board shorts from B. Son, trousers and pea coats from Fremont and athletic jackets and leather creations from Mike & Chris. Don’t forget to check out Krane’s selection of leather-trimmed luggage, as well as Mads Norgaard’s blazers and Rag & Bone’s masterfully tailored dress shirts.This online clothing boutique is perfect for picking up smart casual pieces, funky basics and tailored separates. Prices at Revolve Clothing range from mid- to high-end to affordable for everyone and the site has fabulous sales, so visit often to check if the product you have your eye on suddenly drops in price.Major credit cards are the accepted form of payment so make sure you have a valid one before checking out. Shipping is free and American residents can expect to receive their purchase within two to three days. Returns are permitted within 30 days of purchase and the company even has a 30-day price-match guarantee, so if you find the item you’re lusting over on a competitor’s website at a lower non-clearance price, let Revolve Clothing know and they’ll match it and accept their competitor's coupons.

ASOS
www.asos.com

The biggest e-store in the UK, ASOS was established in 2002 and stands for As Seen on Screen. Trend-oriented, affordable clothing that suits a modern and youthful lifestyle is what you’ll find at this online clothing boutique. What ASOS really excels in, however, is matching the expensive garments you see celebs sporting in photos with attractive, reasonably priced alternatives. In some cases, you’ll also find the exact pieces worn by your favorite style icons.

With over 200 new products launched each week, fashionites on a budget will think they’ve died and gone to shopping heaven after visiting this online clothing boutique. Try Sunspel for the most fabulous basics like V-neck cotton T-shirts, and check out Villain’s fall and spring trenches. Each season, a dizzying array of knitwear in the latest and hottest colors is available from labels like J.Lindeberg, Diesel, French Connection, and more. The stock is constantly changing at ASOS, but other labels you might come across include Calvin Klein, Junk de Luxe, Evisu, Firetrap, Puma, and Bjorn Borg.Footwear, accessories, grooming products, sunglasses, underwear, and even socks with saucy messages can be found here. Shop by trend or garment type and pay using major credit cards.

Zappos
www.zappos.com

You may know that Zappos began by selling footwear, initially making next to nothing in 1999. Fast-forward just a few short years and you find a company that has expanded astronomically, raking in profits of over $800 million a year. Along with every kind of shoe, boot and flip-flop you can imagine, Zappos offers competitively priced apparel and accessories, including eyewear, watches and more. Of course, the online clothing boutique’s specialty remains its footwear.As far as customer service goes, Zappos is unparalleled. They offer free shipping that takes approximately four to five business days, and if you choose to return a product, shipping is free then too. Incredibly, you also have 365 days to decide to return a purchase.Should you have any queries about using this online clothing boutique or a particular product, customer service representatives are available 24/7 by phone. If you are a resident of Canada, you can waive pricey import fees by using the Canadian branch of this store. All in all, with a list of brands and products too long to count, you could spend days browsing Zappos, but trust us, once you’re through, you won’t be leaving this e-store empty-handed.

Bluefly
www.bluefly.com

Label lovers aiming to shop on a budget should bookmark Bluefly, an online clothing boutique that caters to those who have expensive taste with the bank balance of Joe Average instead of Donald Trump. So, next time you get a hankering to buy some cashmere, a buttery leather carry-on bag or a wool suit, check out this company’s offerings before you max out your credit card, which include deals on names like Prada, Joie, John Varvatos, Hickey Freeman, Theory, and Cole Haan.From briefcases to complete suits, waterproof trench coats and even ties, Bluefly’s choice selections and slashed prices make getting dressed for the office a snap. Of course, their range of casual garments is just as top notch too.A word to the wise, however: You may not always find your size here, so one great way to speed up your shopping experience is to select the type of garment you’re looking for and then narrow down your search results to include only items that are available in your size.


eLuxury
www.eluxury.com

As its name suggests, eLuxury offers its customers the finest from prestigious designer labels. Come here again and again for high-quality classics like cardigans and perfect-fitting blazers. Stop in once or twice a season as well to pick up high-end must-have seasonal apparel from a well-edited collection that includes names like Louis Vuitton, 3.1 Philip Lim, Band of Outsiders, Dsquared2, Opening Ceremony, and a whole lot more.Men who are pressed for time or consider themselves style-challenged will find the look book a particularly useful tool. Simply glance through it, moving from picture to picture, and just point and click your way to the looks you crave, and within days, a super-stylish ensemble will arrive on your doorstep.If you have a bit more time, add items you’re interested in to a wish list and sort through it later to narrow down your favorites. Love the clothes on this site, but worried about receiving a sketchy knockoff when you order your Just Cavalli blazer? Don’t be. As an authorized e-retailer for every brand they carry, you can rest assured that the products you’re purchasing from eLuxury are authentic.

Yoox
www.yoox.com

If you love what you see at eLuxury, but you don’t live in the United States, come try your luck at Yoox. This site features just as many sought-after labels as eLuxury, but it delivers to over 50 countries worldwide, including the USA. View clothes and accessories according to brand name or by the type of clothing you’re in the market for. Choose from amongst designers like Comme des Garcons, Dries Van Noten, Alexander McQueen, Prada, Rick Owens, and Vivienne Westwood.If that all sounds a little heavy for your bank account, don’t despair because you’ll also find products from other labels, including Timberland, Ben Sherman, Adidas, and Gola mixed in with the high-end designer fare. Die-hard fashionites should consider signing up to this online clothing boutique because registered users have the advantage of seeing the season’s new arrivals first.Yoox accepts PayPal in addition to common credit cards.Also of important note is that Yoox recently launched a luxury clothing site dedicated solely to men. Featuring the latest designer threads in addition to choice items from lesser-known brands, www.thecorner.com is tipped to be the next hottest one-stop-shopping site for men in search of upscale looks and labels.

As you see, the number of opportunities for online shopping raises day by day. Even several years ago it was not that rich. Now you may buy a tuxedo, a shirt, boots etc. even during your office break or sitting at home in your favorite arm-chair! Enjoy online shopping!

Cannot iron a shirt? Shame on you!

For men who always want to look their best it is not a trifle to iron a shirt. A real man should know how to do all kinds of things including ironing. You should be ready to take care of your clothes, thus, you will save time and money while buying new elements of your wardrobe.

With these easy tips you’ll learn how to not to lose heart and do your best while creating your ideal image

1. Take time - make sure you have enough time to do the job right.
2. If you have a cotton dress shirt, wash in cold water on delicate or wash by hand in the sink. Hang to dry and don't iron until it's almost completely dry.
3. Set up the ironing board and iron, ensuring the board is close to an electrical outlet so that the electric cord of the iron doesn't get tangled or encumbered when ironing.
4. Fill up the iron with water. This will help steam press your shirt.
5. Plug in the iron and set the fabric dial to "Cotton" (or other appropriate setting). The further the dial goes to the right, the hotter the iron gets. Too hot irons can ruin your shirt. Check the tag at the back of the collar for fabric type and temperature settings.
6. Stand the iron upright so the hot area does not sit on the ironing board. To avoid burning through the ironing board cover, never leave the iron sitting face down. Wait for the iron to heat up, flicking a few drops of water on the bottom - if it sizzles, it's ready. If it's hot, let's start!
7. If the shirt has a button-down collar, unbutton the collar. Then iron these parts of the shirt in order:
Collar - both sides Sleeves Back Front
8. Iron only one part of the shirt at a time, leaving the rest of shirt to droop off the side of the ironing board. On the collar and cuffs, start at the points and move inward.
9. Don't forget to iron all seams. They can be stubborn to get "straight" but will add a nice finished touch to the shirt.
10. After ironing hang the shirt on a hanger until you are ready to wear it. Turn the iron off and pull the plug.
11. Leave the iron sitting upright on the ironing board for 15-20 minutes to cool down. It is then safe to put away.

Sure thing, you may prefer giving your shirt to a professional cleaner launder and press it, but what if you don’t have enough time for the whole procedure? Nothing doing, but stand up, plug in the iron and learn!

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!