selma11's Journal
 
[Most Recent Entries] [Calendar View] [Friends]

Below are the 12 most recent journal entries recorded in selma11's InsaneJournal:

    Wednesday, January 11th, 2012
    1:50 pm
    Carrying out a Smooth Finish Utilizing your Adze
    A woodworking and also construction evening dresses online tool employed for the primary purpose of chiselling and smoothing difficult reduce wooden is called the actual adze. Generally, since the user, a person stand around any sign or perhaps a board and also swing the particular adze down towards the feet, flaking away from items of timber, relocating for the back and also departing a comparatively easy as well as area consequently. Regarding hollowing out there wood as well as squaring cheap evening dresses upward firelogs would be the most typical uses of adzes.

    This removing and also carving instrument could also be used regarding tugging down outdated buildings (manually) to assemble a few reclaims. With the appropriate use of the device, an adze can easily assist all the needs of deconstruction. The actual cutting edge of party dresses your adze is positioned in the proper angles towards the base with the tool being a aircraft or even a hoe but not just like the knife of the guitar (situated in line with the shaft).
    1:48 pm
    Canines Acquire Really stressed out Too
    Several human beings deal with evening dresses sale stress, yet usually they will neglect their domestic pets can also be because consumed with stress since they are. Canines could have a anxiety and stress problems as a result of a variety of ecological aspects. Several canines get stressed in any period of transition, as an example if they're moving from location to one more or maybe they not too long prom dresses uk ago started living with a new family. The actual Thundershirt is a product which is made for selling that can help reduce the stress of one's puppy. The product will help relaxed the dogs panic and anxiety. It has an better yet item referred to as @eaze, this system comes at VistaHound.org. If the canine is expertise large stress levels as well as anxiousness you should consider these products and discover what is right for your dog. It is important that your dog is comfortable, and also happy. Panic and anxiety dresses uk could cause a dog to reside to get a smaller period of time therefore it is essential that you explore assisting your dog.
    Wednesday, December 28th, 2011
    10:46 am
    Auckland Real Estate Firms
    Auckland property firms exist to help party dresses juniors people within property investments. Individuals who need to spend money on home however they just don't know how to go about it are now able to get in touch with real estate companies in Auckland and get information on this regard. It's not easy to invest in home minus the appropriate information concerning how to go about it. The procedure implemented can also be not very effortless cheap evening gown dresses especially for these brand new in this kind of purchase. Like all some other investment, buying home wants a extremely useful appointment so the investor doesn't help make any kind of error in connection with this. Talking to an actual property organization may simplicity much of your function to see neglect the done in a simple approach. These firms supply the particular party dresses for juniors expertise and knowledge of successful investment in property thus trusting these to take you step-by-step through the process will make your dream become a reality.
    10:34 am
    Features on Company Bankruptcy
    Bankruptcy is defined as the particular cheap wedding dresses for sale incapability of a company or perhaps specific firms to pay debts they have accrued. Inadequate financing or perhaps cap will be the thought to be the main element aspect exactly why one establishment or perhaps specific business has a tendency to drop, or even gain closure. If you are already having troubles in assisting your organization when it comes to financial concerns otherwise you wish it to broaden, there are specific businesses and organizations which will help you. Today, different sectors, either private or even authorities are offering lending options to those looking for affordable evening dresses economic support. Business grants or loans which is generally directed at those entrepreneurs which need only a minimal money for their enterprise to function.. You can travel to these types of agencies as well as straight ask for them so that you can understand the blueprint that you need to be turning over. Real estate will also be frequent obtainable specifically for initially buyer lending options. First time buyer Programs could be checked another essential information in getting thus. Right now, why don't we get to company. Second component that is recognized as the reason why organizations become personal bankruptcy cheap party dresses arrives inadequate planning as well as supervision. Operating a business needs a lot of experience in buy to come-up with right choices. Often broke business are operated or perhaps handled by starters on this field much like survey says. Encounter is very important in terms of the supervision facet. This is the considered as the important thing to ensure that the business to develop as well as obtain good results. Another factor is the financial crisis or perhaps that which you call worldwide economic downturn. In the current business, the influence of global recession is actually felt not merely by the lenders and corporations however specifically for the employees. Layoffs and retrenchment are now being created by most of the organizations because of personal bankruptcy. These kinds of in addition has a big influence on the business in a fashion that generated earnings will become small, of course, if the truth will get most detrimental, forget about income will be obtained. Competitors are additionally one of many attributes, particularly when your company is not too immense.
    Thursday, June 30th, 2011
    10:24 am
    How to Accessorize a Little Black Dress
    Versatile, flattering and timelessly elegant, the little black dress is the ultimate must have item in every woman's wardrobe. From classy curve-creating halter necks to the stunning flared hemline, there is an 'LBD' out there to suit every figure. Established by Coco Chanel in the 1920s, the little black dress has gone from strength to strength and today every designer worth his salt, from top catwalk names to budget High Street brands, has a wide range to choose from.

    The beauty of the LBD lies largely in its flexibility: whether you're heading to the office or the dancefloor, you can count on your LBD to provide the perfect outfit for every occasion.

    Important Meeting
    It's the morning of the big presentation, if you can win over this client and make the sale you know that promotion will finally be within your reach. You've spent the last few weeks thinking of nothing else - you've run over the slides a million times and prepared answers for every question they might throw at you; but one thing you haven't planned is what to wear.

    Step up the little black dress. For a powerful boardroom look, a neat notched-collar blazer with single button closed will accentuate your waist while retaining a professional appearance. Try Guess or Donna Karan for a great designer treat, or for a blazer that won't break the bank, Topshop has a great range of fashionable yet sophisticated jackets.

    Keeping with the simple but classic theme, this look can be tastefully finished with delicate silver jewellery. Choose a pair of small stud earrings, a minimalist silver pendant and a slim silver bracelet to complete your transformation to stylish and successful executive.

    Girls' Night Out
    So you did, you made the big pitch and you got the sale. Your bosses are delighted, and your colleagues a little envious, but after all that hard work all you really want to do is get out of the office and celebrate with the girls. Well lucky you chose the little black dress; a few simple alterations can take you from the board room to the wine bar in minutes.

    Firstly, the aim is to let your hair down so why not literally do just that? For shoulder length to long hair, unpinning your locks and letting them fall freely about your face gives a lovely warm and natural look to accentuate your features. Now for the jewellery; put the simple silver aside and slip on some chunky, funky beads and matching bracelet. Go for a bright colour, such as turquoise or purple, to add a fun and playful twist and finish off with a bright clutch bag to finish the look.

    Black Tie Ball
    A few months down the line and your well-deserved promotion has taken effect. An invite to the company's annual black tie dinner appears on your desk and your first thought is, "what will I wear?" Well fear not, once again you can count on an LBD to guarantee you'll cut a glamorous and striking figure on the ballroom floor.

    For a formal function a strapless dress is always a great choice and accessorizing with real or faux pearls will provide the elegant finishing touches to ensure you stand out from the crowd. A simple string of pearls will draw admiring attention to your shoulders and can be stylishly complemented by a pair of matching drop effect earrings and pearl bracelet. Your make-up essentials can be slipped into a small satin purse and this stunning ensemble glamorously completed with a pair of black strappy sandals. Be sure to wear these in before the event so you can comfortably dance the night away.

    Christmas Party
    The party season comes around quicker each year but once again an LBD is perfect for creating a timeless festive look. At this time of year it's all about making the most of the long nights and brightening things up with a bit of sparkle. A fun, floaty dress is perfect for getting into the party spirit. Accessorize with warm golden tones and dramatic eye make-up to be sure of a kiss under the mistletoe.

    For a bit of glitzy glamour, a pair of golden strappy sandals and matching handbag works wonders. Jewellery should be fun and festive; at this time of year you can afford to be a little more flamboyant. Experiment with costume jewellery or, if you're feeling brave, try a feather boa for that extra playful detail.

    Golden Rules
    A final word on accessorizing: keep in mind that 'less is more'. Think of your LBD as a canvas on which to create the perfect picture of you. Accessories such as shoes, jewellery and handbags can subtly draw attention to your best features allowing you to create a masterpiece.
    10:23 am
    Hong Kong's Best Shopping Guide - Costumes and Fancy Dress
    So where CAN you get a Batman outfit in Hong Kong? You would be surprised at how many people actually look for fancy dress outfits and costumes for the various theme parties that we have in Hong Kong.

    Well if you do, you have come to the right guide! We have had Movie Stars, Pirates, Cavemen, DC Villains, Gangsters and Pimps, Hawaiian and Short Bridesmaid Dresses

    Arabian night parties. Some of these parties have been on junk boat trips and some of them in normal bars and clubs. And the great thing about Hong Kong is that you can have these parties anywhere. The Local crowd loves to see people dress up, and do not be surprised if you spend a lot of your night taking photos with random people. Now besides organising these theme parties, people also need to find the right outfits and costumes. Now where can you do this? Here is our list of must visit places.

    You have two options: You can rent your outfits:

    - House of Siren

    Easily the best costumier in town, House of Siren Short Prom Dresses
    rents handmade stock costumes and will also tailor them to your size.

    - The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts

    HKAPA lends out costumes previously used in productions.

    - Makswell Costume

    Located in Chai Wan, Makswell#8217s has literally hundreds of costumes to choose from, and deliver for $50 to Hong Kong or Kowloon ($200 to New Territories), plus rental price. They also sell props and accessories.

    If you want to buy outfits, you can check the following shops:

    - Partyland Market

    This shop is located on the corner of Wellington Street and Pottinger Street in Central. You can find a lot of costume shops on Pottinger street as well. Make sure to check them all out. They have a lot of choice and cheap outfits.

    - Tai Yun Street Market

    A Street Market in Wan Chai, where a bit of hunting can Short Wedding Dresses get you some cheap outfits as well.

    - Ladies Market

    This well know market in Mong Kok has some outfits as well, though to tend to be more on the "naughty" side.

    - Night Market - Temple Street

    This street market is located between jordan and Yau Ma Tei, has similar items to the Ladies Market

    - Matteo Party

    A shop located on Jaffe Road, Causeway bay

    - Fortune Costume

    A costume shop on Hillwood Road, Tsim Sha Tsui

    A visit to a couple of these places will get you almost everything you need to look cool and awesome on any theme party you organise!

    Iluv.hk provides you with Hong Kong's best Shopping guides out there!
    Wednesday, June 29th, 2011
    10:44 am
    5 Things to Know to Before Finding Your Wedding Dress
    Chances are your wedding dress will be the most important clothing purchase of your life. Yes, you will only wear it once; but, will you ever wear another dress more anticipated and more talked about? And while this is indeed an important clothing decision, you have probably never gone through the process of purchasing a wedding gown until now. Thankfully, I have rounded up useful advice to get you started on your way to walking down the aisle in the dress of your dreams.

    Start Shopping Early

    Time is of the essence. Most likely, you did not get engaged after a week of dating, so why would you want to rush such an important shopping decision? Planning a wedding is stressful, and the last thing you want to add to your worries is dress shopping. You need time. Not only do you need time to shop, but keep in mind that you will also need time to wait for your dress to arrive and time for fittings. Try to start looking for your perfect wedding dress right after you are engaged. You should aim to purchase your wedding gown at least 6 months before your wedding date, as this will ensure enough time to wait for your gown to arrive and have it tailored.

    Wedding only 5 months away, and you haven't even tried on your first dress? Don't panic. While shopping early is preferred, you can always buy a dress off the rack, and many bridal salons can turn a dress around more quickly if necessary. You just may have to be a little more flexible in your dress choice.

    Educate Yourself

    Wedding dresses come with their own unique glossary of terms (or jargon, as you may want to call it). Before stepping foot into a bridal salon, try to brush up on your vocabulary. There are terms for gown silhouette (the basic shape of the gown), neckline, bodice, sleeves, trains etc. Learn the basics and try to narrow down which options you prefer and which ones best suit your figure. Overwhelmed? This wedding dress styles guide provides detailed descriptions on every type of wedding gown.

    Envision Your Perfect Wedding Dress

    Many bridal salons do not allow you to simply browse through all their wedding dresses. They first ask you a few questions about your wedding and your overall style and bring dresses that reflect your vision to you. Therefore, it's best to have an idea of what you want before you shop. After you have educated yourself on the various parts of a dress, think about what wedding dress style suits you. Always dreamed of being a princess? A ball gown silhouette is probably your best bet. Dream of showing off a figure sculpted by hard work at the gym? A sheath dress may be perfect for you. Keep in mind that your dress, while suiting your personal style, should also suit your wedding venue. A formal ball gown is probably not appropriate for a beach wedding in the sand, while a sundress may not work in a cathedral.

    Know Where to Shop

    The most popular choice is the bridal salon, known for a high level of customer service. Bridal salons exist almost everywhere; you can search our local wedding services section for ones nearest you. Of course, all bridal salons are not the same. Some feature wedding gowns from multiple designers, others feature only gowns from one specific designer custom for their particular store. Price ranges vary as well. While many bridal salons offer gowns starting as low as $300, prices at other stores can start as high as $4000. Call and inquire before choosing a store. Brides on a tighter budget can try an outlet. Bridal outlets offer hundreds of dresses, often from past seasons, at a discounted price.

    Determine Your Budget

    It's best to have an idea of what you would like to spend before stepping into a bridal salon. This will save you the hassle of going to salons out of your price range or allowing the sales clerk to bring you dresses you cannot afford. The average cost of a wedding dress is around $800. Shop around online and in magazines to get an idea of how much wedding dresses cost and how much you want to spend. In general, your wedding gown shouldn't exceed 10 percent of the cost of the wedding reception.

    Now that you know the basics, this complete wedding dresses guide can walk you through the rest of the process of finding the right wedding gown for you.

    Cori Russell is editor for Elegala.com and Gala Weddings Magazine. Elegala.com is a comprehensive wedding planning resource with a national directory of wedding venues and services, along with articles, expert advice, checklists and photo galleries to lead brides through every step of the planning process.
    10:43 am
    Dress Up Costumes For Adults
    Nowadays, playing dress-up and wearing costumes are not only limited to children anymore. In recent years, more and more people are buying dress-up costumes for adults. If you're wondering why this is so, here are 5 of the common Informal Wedding Dresses

    uses of dress-up costumes for adults.

    Halloween, Christmas and Other Holidays
    One of the most popular uses of adult costumes is during Halloween. Some parents wear scary adult costumes, such as ghosts, witches and monsters, and go trick-or-treating with their children. Other people hold Halloween costume parties instead. Aside from Halloween, Christmas is another popular time to hold costume parties. Adult males wear Santa suits at family gatherings and office parties, making the holidays even more enjoyable. Adult females, meanwhile, can dress up as Mrs. Clause and help Long Bridesmaid Dresses
    Santa give out gifts. April Fool's Day is another holiday where people enjoy wearing adult costumes, in order to make fun of their friends. Other holidays where people enjoy dressing up include Easter Sunday and Independence Day.

    Themed Parties and Events
    Adults have become more creative when throwing parties nowadays. Instead of the regular get-together, more adults are hosting themed costume parties. This is a surefire way of letting your guests interact with each other and break the ice. Birthday parties also tend to be more special when celebrated in costumes. There are numerous themes you can choose from for your party, such as cowboy, pirates, futuristic and 70's, to name a few. Aside from birthdays, adults also enjoy dressing up for stag parties, bridal showers, and the like.

    For Fanatics
    Some adults idolize certain characters or celebrities to the point of dressing up like them. It is quite common to find adult men wearing superhero costumes, such as Batman and Spiderman, at comic book conventions. It is also common to find adults wearing movie character costumes at film premieres, such as in the Harry Potter movies. With the strong influence of technology in today's society, fanatics of Massively Multiplayer Online Role Paying Games (MMORPG) also dress up in their favorite characters in MMORPG gatherings. Aside from them, political activists can also show their allegiance or disapproval by dressing up Long Prom Dresses as some controversial politicians and candidates.

    For Media
    Film and theater are two important media where adults can be seen wearing a variety of different costumes, from the scary to the funny to the historical. Many TV shows, specifically gag shows, have also made a living out of playing tricks on other people while wearing adult costumes, in order to entertain their viewers. A few authors have also been known to wear costumes while storytelling, in order to more effectively convey a story and captivate their audiences.

    Role Playing
    Finally, adult costumes are slowly finding their way to our homes. These adult costumes, specifically sexy outfits, can be used in the sensual act of role playing. Both men and women can wear a variety of sexy costumes, such as sexy schoolgirl outfit or the sexy butler. Couples can pretend that they are in different situations with different people. This ultimately makes a relationship much more exciting.

    These are only a few of the most common uses of dress up costumes for adults. You don't have to limit yourself to these uses. Wear your dress-up costumes anytime you want, and have fun with them
    Thursday, June 23rd, 2011
    9:52 am
    Cocktail Dresses - What They are, and When to Wear Them
    Cocktail dresses, also referred to as a cocktail gown, are a woman's garment that usually displays a shorter length and worn when one has been invited to a cocktail party. Cocktail dresses are suitable for wearing to events such as a semi-formal, prom, or other formal occasion. Cocktail dresses come in a variety of shapes, sizes and lengths, but one of the most popular choices is the well-known "little black dress."

    When choosing from the many available cocktail dresses, you should familiarize yourself with some of the lengths that you may encounter. Depending on the current fashion trends of the year or wardrobe acceptability, the length of a cocktail dress varies. Some cocktail dresses stop just above the knee, while other selections end around two inches from above the ankle, known as a tea length cocktail dress. When a cocktail dress touches the ankle, it is "ballerina length" - this is commonly associated with being an evening gown, with the differences between the two hard to tell.

    Today, cocktail dresses come in an array of beautiful materials, with silk, satin, and chiffon these being the most popular choice.

    Some people receive an invitation to an event or party and have no clue what to wear. The fear of over or under dressing for the occasion begins to set in. There are some clues to follow when you are puzzled on what to wear to an event. When using the invitation as a clue, you are more likely to casually dress if the invitation arrives through email or by telephone. If the invitation arrives through the mail, chances are you may be in need of a cocktail dress.

    When invited to attend a benefit or event held by a charity or other association, a cocktail dress is probably the attire you should be thinking of. Sometimes deciphering what sort of wardrobe to raid is as simple as reading the entire invite. More than likely, you will find phrases, such as "casual dress," "semi-formal attire" or "formalwear required" on the invitation. Moreover, the last resort if you are unsure is to call the phone number that is included on the invite and ask to make sure.

    When attending a cocktail party, you shouldn't wear a sequined gown - they are for a more formal occasion, such as a wedding or anniversary party. Cocktail dress lengths can range from a mini length to something that stops above the ankles. The type of material sends a message - satin and silk are popular choices, accompanied by flattering jewelry, handbags, and other accessories. The shoes that you select can also set off a cocktail dress - especially if you are sporting a shorter length and the shoes become an important focal point.

    When choosing the color of your cocktail dress, you should keep in mind that during the summer season, floral prints, light pink, sky blue, pale green and yellow, as well as other pastels look good during this time. For a winter get-together, gray, crimson, black, dark brown and dark blue cocktail dresses are quite flattering. And for one of the number one tips regarding cocktail dresses: do not try to fit into a dress that is cut too low or is too tight; the results could be disastrous.
    9:51 am
    Size 16 Prom Dress Shopping
    Prom dress shopping is always exciting. There are so many choices it's a little difficult to narrow down which dress to buy. There are factors to consider such as fit, flatter and style.

    A size 16 prom dress is no longer the problem buy it used to be. Today dress sizes average at 14, and regular sizes run from 0-18 in most stores. Plus sizes start at 16W, which is a larger size 16 throughout the hips. This is important to remember, when shopping, in order to pick the correct sizes to try on or order from the Internet. Whichever size you fit into, 16W or 16, there are plenty of styles from which to choose. Choosing a flattering cut and style may be more difficult. There are some more flattering choices for a size 16 prom dress.

    A short dress is very sexy and pretty, however, if worn too short it may emphasize someone with problem areas around the hips and thighs. If you fit into that category, it would be wise to pick dresses that reach mid-calf or to the knee.

    Long dresses can also be very sexy. A sheath dress with a slit up the side or back is lovely and fashionable. Sexier dresses are the ones which have a slit to the knee or just slightly above the knee. If a dress is slit too high, it ceases to be as fashionable.

    Both long and short dresses are sexier with spaghetti straps or bare shoulders. Lovely rhinestone straps are an additional embellishment which adds sparkle to a dress.

    For more modest dresses, tea length and full length gowns with capped or short sleeves are a perfect choice. Long gloves are another way to give a dress more modesty with a little glamour.

    A dress always looks better with a pair of pumps or heels, rather than flats. Prom is a chance to be truly glamorous, choose exciting shoes with embroidery, rhinestones and other sparkly designs.

    Whether you're size 16 or size 2, there are many styles of dress which can make you look like you spent a million dollars. It all comes down to choosing a flattering fit and style that works with both your figure and your comfort zone.

    Marissa is the foremost authority on women's dresses. Finding dress styles and trends is her mission in life. Her articles have been published in many blogs and she has been working in the fashion industry as a personal shopper and boutique manager for many years. Find more information about dresses size 16 measurements and shop for prom dresses size 16 on her sister dress shop site.
    9:49 am
    Dress Well, Look Great - 3 Simple Steps
    Is it possible for a person to go from finding dressing a chore to doing it effortlessly? The answer is yes. For some, knowing how to dress well and look great is difficult. It is something that for them takes a lot of time and effort. While for others, who know the secrets to successful dressing, looking great daily is not only possible but easily accomplished.

    Knowing how to choose clothes that bring out our assets is not something we are born knowing. However, some of us are fortunate enough to learn early from parents, relatives or friends. For those who did not have someone to learn from, all is not lost.

    Effortless dressing is something that can be learned if you take the time. Why should you learn? Why is looking your best important? The reasons are simple. We feel better when we know we look our best and people react to us in a more positive manner when we look good. This old cliché is still true, ' you only get one chance to make a good first impression'. This is especially true when how you look affects if you get the job, the promotion or the date. It is not fair that we are judged on how we look but since we can't control it, the only other alternative is to go with it.

    Being well dressed involves knowing yourself - your lifestyle, your best colors, your best clothing styles, best hairstyles and so much more. However, if you pay attention to the following three steps you will be on your way to looking great.

    1. Keep clothes wrinkle-free. No matter how expensive your clothes are or how well they fit if they are wrinkled you will lose all credibility. Take care of your clothing by keeping them well pressed and hang them to prevent wrinkles. Before you buy pants, skirts or blouses check to see how easily they wrinkle by taking a little of the fabric in your hand and squeezing for two seconds. If it wrinkles don't buy it.

    2. The perfect fit. Clothes that fit well will make you appear slimmer and present a more polished look. It is amazing how much difference an inch taken off or added in a certain place can make. Why nip and tuck your body when you can nip and tuck your clothes and get the same result?

    3. Grooming. A neat, fashionable hairstyle, subtle makeup and good overall grooming are the final touches to a well-dressed look.

    A polished look can be yours every day, if you dedicate a little time and effort up front to learn about yourself and how to choose the right styles and colors. It's the first step to investing in you.
    9:46 am
    Men's Dress Shirts - Understanding the Effect of Contrast & Seasons on Color Selection
    The first thing a person notices about a dress shirt is its color. In a crowded room of suits, your choice of shirt colors will either help you stand out or blend in; the key here is what are your intentions and do you know how to mix and match your clothing in order to fulfill them. The only way to do this is to gain mastery in understanding 1) what color shades compliment you and 2) how those same colors frame you in your environment. The goal of this article is to help you to begin to understand both.

    The Role of your Complexion, Hair, and Eye Color

    A man's complexion, hair color, and eye color are the key indicators he should use when selecting the color of a fabric which will cover his body. Unfortunately, most men make their color decision based on what they have worn in the past, what colors are readily available, and the ever-changing winds of fashion. The result is what you see today, a sea of solid white and blue shirts. The two most important factors in selecting shirt color are a man's skin tone and hair color. Eye color is a wild-card factor; in the cases where eye color strongly contrasts a man's complexion and hair color, it can be used to introduce colors that would otherwise have not compliment an individual. It is the relationship between these three factors that determines what contrast category a man falls into: either High, Low, or Medium Contrast

    High Contrast Men

    Put simply, these are men whose hair color is a stark contrast to their skin tone; black hair with white skin is a perfect example. For high contrast men, the key to looking good is to be able to mimic this color difference in their clothing with the contrast in their facial zone. A dark navy suit with a white shirt and a charcoal suit with an ice blue shirt are two combinations that compliment high contrast men. In general, light colored shirts with dark suits and dark/vibrant ties with light colored suits. Dark shirts with light suits can be accomplished, but pulling this off requires skill. High contrast men are always complimented by strong ties that stand out from the shirt.

    Low Contrast Men

    As the name suggests, these are men with a muted appearance. Light hair and light skin is the most common variant, but men with red hair, bald men, and men with little hair also fall into this category. The strengths of these men are the exact opposite of the high contrast men above. Low contrast men should seek a monochromatic look, as that a strong contrasting outfit will easily overpower their muted tones. Remember the purpose of a frame (your clothing) is to enhance the picture (your face). In general, low contrast men fair well with dark blues and earth tone dress shirts combined with dark suits. When wearing light gray or tan suits, the low contrast gentlemen needs to stay with lighter colored shirts and earth tones; white is permissible here if the suit is light enough to avoid a stark contrast. Be careful in your choice of tie, if the neck-wear stands out too much it can draw attention from your face to your chest and stomach.

    Medium Contrast Men

    If you don't fall into one of the two extremes, you most likely fit into this group. Brown skinned men with dark hair are common members, along with lighter skinned men and with gray and white hair. With such a wide selection of facial tones and hair colors, it's hard to give specific guidance in this category. What we will say is that most men do not fit exactly in the middle; instead they lean towards either low or high contrast. The afore mentioned dark haired men with brown skin; they lean towards the high contrast, and can not only utilize that man's color combinations but they can get away with a few subtle monochromatic combinations. The same with the light skinned gentlemen with gray hair. He is more similar to the low contrast individual, and would do well to follow the rules set forth for that man. However, he can very successfully pull off a contrasting outfit, especially if his eyes or another feature compliment the color combination chosen. To sum it up, medium contrast men can enjoy the best of both worlds, but should be careful when venturing too far in one direction.

    The Role of Seasons

    It should be mentioned that although your natural colors are the dominant factors in determining what color clothing you should wear, they are not the only things you should pay attention to. A dandy also gives attention to the seasons, paying heed to the effect the colors around him have on the ensemble he has put together. The dark suit and dark colored shirt you decide to wear may look magnificent on you, but at a summer wedding you'll find yourself not only hot under the collar but sticking out like a sore thumb. Let's take a quick look at the seasons and the shades of color they invoke.

    Spring

    The season of re-birth, it's here that we pinks, lavenders, and lighter shades of blue. Lighter weight fabrics are dusted off from their winter sleep, and a man would speak well of himself to wear multi-colored checks and stripes that compliment him.

    Summer

    A time when light and bold colors dominate the scene. Gold striped shirts, red checks, and of course a wide variety of blue solids and patterns should grace the wardrobe of the well dressed man. 100% cottons, linens, and silks are popular fabric choices because of their wicking qualities.

    Fall

    Earth Tones and heavier fabrics begin to make their appearance. Clothing tends to take on a somber appearance with the onset of cooler weather, and now with the weather getting cooler is a good time to wear blends. Their heat retention qualities are good on an cold evening you are caught without an overcoat.

    Winter

    Dark colors and heavy fabric such as flannels make their appearance. You can enliven your wardrobe a bit with a pink or maize oxford, but winter is the season you want to get your money's worth from the fabrics designed to keep you warm. Forest green and brown tones are a stable during this season.

    It's important to remember that confidence in ones appearance is vital to looking great. When people look at you a tad longer than usual, you need to have the confidence in your outfit to know that it's because you look that good (as opposed to looking that bad!). Our advice is to have the courage to know yourself, and from that knowledge choose the colors that best compliments you as an individual.

    Antonio Centeno is president of A Tailored Suit, an online American boutique fine-clothing merchant specializing in bespoke men's suits, shirts, jackets, and overcoats. He and his partners launched the company with the mission of helping men create the clothing that best enhances their individual style. Antonio has studied men's clothing design in London, Hong Kong, and Bangkok. He is a former Marine Corps Officer and holds an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin and a BA from Cornell College.
About InsaneJournal