Archive for February, 2012

Hello Sailor – Cruise Wear and Nautical Wardrobes

All about what to wear on a cruise and how to capture that naughty, jaunty sailor look in 2011.

Picture the scene. You are getting ready for your very first cruise. So what do you wear? What clothes are fashionable on a cruise? How to select cruise clothing for life onboard ship?

In the past, your first thought,when selecting cruise clothes or dressing for a cruise, might be relatively formal, particularly for dinner and evening wear; evening gowns, cocktail dresses, lounge suits, tuxedos or dinner jackets.

Not any more. Today cruises are much more informal. Even the more traditional cruise lines such as Cunard have more informal dining where casual dress is the norm and limit formal dining to one or two special functions per week.

So the emphasis on cruises these days is firmly on casual wear. But, just as dress down Fridays in the work place prove, it is far more difficult to choose casual clothes to hit the right note. Yes, formal dressing is much easier than dressing down.

It may be a bit of a clique, but why not plan your cruise clothing around a nautical fashion look? Think saucy sailor or french matelot. Choose clothes in navy blue with white stripes for example.

Sexy and Sassy

The great thing about the nautical fashion look is it can be expressed in anything from a bikini, through shorts or sundress to a more formal dress or a warm greatcoat for chilly evenings on deck.

Accessories too from bags, shoes, broaches and other jewelry can all reflect that ocean-going feel.

Cruise clothing inspired by a uniforms are smart but can also be sexy and sassy. The sailor suit is a classic example of nautical fashion. Putting Together Cruise Clothing for a Sea Going Wardrobe

Why not start by thinking about cruise clothes and that magical moment when you wake up in your cabin after sleeping like a log after your first night on board?

A nautical mini dress together with a swift walk around the deck to get your lungs filled with sea air could be a great way to start your first full day afloat.

If its cold on deck then wear the dress with some slacks, trousers or leggins. A good choice would be navy bellbottomed pants to keep the nautical theme going.

After breakfast, if its warm enough, then replace the trousers with shorts or dispense with the trousers all together.By the Pool

If you fancy sunning yourself by the pool or taking a dip then look out for a suitable bikini or swimsuit.

Show your true colours is a well worn Naval expression. Remember just because you are thinking sailor it doesn’t need to be blue. Bold red strips can be equally salty!

Talking of swimwear, do remember that even if the sea breeze makes you feel cool, the sun will burn just as much on a ship as ashore.

Do limit your time exposed to the sun and use high factor sun lotion or sun blocker. If its cloudy and the sun don’t shine ..

If its cloudy or raining then you may want to cover up a bit. Think about a blazer or a stylish jacket. Or what about a short raincoat to wear over that stripy dress?

Bear in mind too that your wardrobe may be limited by the number of cases you are allowed. This is a particular limitation if you are starting off your vacation by air.

So try to chose a nautical fashion wardrobe that coordinates so you can mix and match everything according to the change of weather and time of day.

Be prepared to add or remove a layer as the temperature changes.

A lightweight jersey, sweater or cardigan in navy is a good way to cover up and keep the sea breeze chill factor at bay.

Why not choose a cover up garment that is figure-hugging and short in order to keep the stylish, uniform look? This cardigan could even be worn over a bikini top if you suddenly felt a little chilly on the sun lounger.

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Nautical Accessories

For your cruise clothing, consider a least one pair of shoes with a matching stripes and colours. Fake coral bracelets and necklaces in red or blue work well.

Then if you really want to go to town with your cruise dressing, what about a jaunty sailor hat, beret or cap? That should really make people sit up and take notice!

Ship Shape and Ready to Set Sail

Now you have some great ideas for cruise clothing for your sea-going wardrobe and what to wear on a cruise. So why not check online to see what styles and patterns of cruise clothes and nautical wear are available right now?

Also, if you haven’t done so yet, find out on the Internet what cruises are available in your price range and book that cruise and trip of a lifetime immediately! Remember, cruise booking online is easy and quick.

In the meantime, Imagine yourself stretched out on a sun lounger with a cool drink at your elbow, the sun overhead and blue sea all around you. With nothing to worry about except what outfit to wear for dinner and whether that certain someone is just around the corner. Happy Cruising. You deserve it!

Who does not dream of a wardrobe that has clothes by high fashion clothing brands like Chanel, Prada, Versace, and Dior, jostling for space? When you step out each day you would definitely want to put your best fashioned foot forward. Many claim to be ignorant to the beneficial affects that high fashion clothes can have on one’s mood, but there is something definitely uplifting about wearing designer clothing. Haute Couture is the more common name used for the term, high fashion. Derived from the French expression for high dressmaking, haute couture refers to the process by which exclusive custom fit clothing is designed for a customer. The clothes are made to order, and dictate the use of high quality fabric, hand sewn by seamstresses who have had years of experience. In France, the term haute couture can be used only by fashion design houses that meet certain requirements and standards. However, world over the term is used to refer to all design houses that produce high fashion clothing.

Wearing high fashion clothing usually means that you will end up spending through your nose. Depending on which fashion designer has designed your apparel and the effort that has gone into the costume, the price of a single dress can go up to thousands of dollars. The high pricing is for the service you receive, the workmanship on the clothes, the uniqueness of the design, and the materials used. Since these high fashion clothes often set the fashion trends, most fashion aficionados find themselves in a situation of not being able to afford the clothes. So how do you go about the process of finding a high fashion clothing item or even recreating one? We tell you how.

How to Find High Fashion Clothing

If you want to find high fashion clothing for reasonable prices, your best friend is the Internet. Log on to websites that stock wholesale designer clothing items. Many websites like overstock and shopzilla carry high end designer clothes from brands like Gucci and Prada. Try online auction sites like Ebay, where you may find brand new designs for 30% – 70% off the actual price of the clothes. If you do not have an issue with used clothes, then try your luck at consignment stores that on several occasions have high fashion clothes at throwaway prices. There are also many discount department stores that offer high fashion clothing items at less than half of the original price of the clothes. If these options do not work for you because you often end up with clothes that are last season, then a great option for you would be to look up the latest designs by top designers and try to emulate them. This way you can customize the clothing according to your needs. Regardless of whether you need high fashion plus size clothing or high fashion clothing for children, you can use the designs to create apparels.

Ho do you go about this process? Well minutely study the design patterns of the clothes you like. Research the color palette the designers tend to use and the general stitching patterns. Pay attention to the details. This is very important and will count greatly as you try to emulate a high fashion clothing design. Study celebrities whose style sense you identify with. It is important that you pay attention to the color forecast in the fashion world. Every season there are some colors that come out trumps. While you may not be able to afford high fashion clothing, that should not necessarily stop you from mimicking the trends. Always remember that high fashion clothing, regardless of how popular, may not be designs that necessarily flatter you. Personalize the design according to your body shape and add your own unique touches to the clothes.

Fashion is cyclical, and this is very important to remember. Rummage through your attic; it is possible that your mother or grandmother has some clothes stashed away that is the design of the decade now. High fashion clothing is expensive but if you know where to hunt and how to create your own versions of high fashion clothes, you will not have to wipe out your savings for sure.

With changing fashion trends, women’s clothing and their choices keep changing. While feminine apparel is always a hit among women of any age, many love to wear boyish outfits as well. Not only those tomboys, but others too are seen experimenting with some clothes known to be popular in the men’s clothing section. So are the khaki pants in vogue, and you can see many women shopping for these. Be it for casual or formal occasion, khaki pants for women are a hot pick of the season. Well, have you added this piece of clothing to your wardrobe? Not yet! Then here are some tips on buying khaki pants and the options available in these for women.

Styles in Women’s Khaki Pants
With summers, the cool khakis are the must haves for women. Khaki refers to the fabric as well as the color. Khaki usually means dusted or earth colored. Previously khakis were a blend of cotton and linen, and light tan color was most popular in this. Today the darker tans are also equally popular. For casual attire you can consider crumpled khaki pants which have a light wrinkling and slouchy construct to get that cool look. A khaki cropped pant with pointed pumps can make a nice outfit for dressy casual attire. You can grab the skinny khaki pants for women which are calf length or shorter, or the straight fit capri trousers as well, for a chic look. Folded khaki trousers, up to calf length is another style that can give you that comfy look. Pair caged sandals with these and walk in style. When searching for women’s casual clothing, consider picking the khaki shorts with a folded hem which are best to don the ultimate look this summer. You can consider buying various styles in tall khaki pants. Khaki trousers are among the best khaki outfits which give a decent look, best to walk around in the office. You can also consider the best qualities in these for business formal attire. Check different fits and colors in formal khaki trousers. Plus size khaki pants are also available in a range of styles.

How to Wear Khaki Pants
Just like you pull on a trouser or jeans, it’s time to step into your khakis. Well, make sure you pair this piece of women’s clothing with the right top and let your khaki look the best. For a casual look, khaki pants can be paired with a white collared polo shirt or a plain white buttoned shirt. A white or black blouse can also look classy with your khakis. For khaki shorts, put on a white or black t-shirt. Shiny silver-gray can be paired with folded pant for a trendy look. A blouse with horizontal stripes, with short or long sleeves looks great with khaki pants.

Ballet shoes, platform heels, platform wedges, stilettos, or pointed pumps work well with khakis. Pick the shades of brown, especially for long khaki pants. You can wear footwear matching with the top to go with khaki capri trousers or shorts. With shorts, it’s best to wear those cool sneakers. Make sure that you get the best fitting khakis by taking a trial. Shopping during an end of the season sale can help you buy cheap khakis. Accessorize these pants rightly to don a perfect khaki look. You can add large bangles or bracelets in matching colors to add a feminine touch to it. Hold a jute bag of a natural color and flaunt your khakis!

For Jose Tineo, a chance encounter led to the perfect fit, both personally and professionally.

The owner of his own computer services company, Jose was summoned to Giorgenti Company headquarters almost a year ago to help solve a sticky hardware problem. As a roving IT specialist, he was accustomed to seeing many different kinds of businesses. But the concept of an online shirt maker specializing in short sizes seemed especially intriguing to the lifelong small businessman because Jose, more than just a self-made entrepreneur, was the classic victim of ill-fitting shirts for short men.

Since Im a curious person, I wanted to know all about what Best Custom Shirt did, and I wanted to figure out how they could offer customized shirts in short sizes. recalls Jose. To his delight, business owner Janine Giorgenti not only patiently explained her operation, she offered Jose the chance to try a short men shirt.

She even said shed take my measurements so I could try one of her shirts made for short sizes, Jose marveled.

He admits he was more than a bit skeptical. As a short-statured, powerfully built man, hed simply resigned himself to the fact that store- bought short sizes shirts didnt fit. But having garments custom-made was also beyond consideration.

Im five foot four and 180 pounds and Im pretty bulky, not fat. And whenever I bought a stock shirt, relates Jose, I would have to compromise. The right neck size wouldnt match my sleeve length, or the right chest size would have a tail that fell almost to my knees. I found myself having to buy shirts for fat men in order to be able to button the collar.

When Janines sample short men shirt arrived, he was bowled over. His new garment was not only reasonably priced, it was downright smashing.

I loved the shirt so much, I immediately placed a couple of orders, relates Jose.

In one fell swoop, Jose has been transformed from a victim of ill-fitting, unflattering garments, to a man with the polished look of a suave and sophisticated professional. His brief introduction to the world of custom clothing spoiled him forever.

It was just amazing. I would get compliments when I visited old friends in the workplace. They could see the difference right away, states Jose.

Even better, self-consciousness gave way to confidence.

Now, boasts Jose, I feel like I look great when I dress, and I dont mind promoting that fact, because I truly feel that having these shirts actually helped to broaden my horizons. I thought I knew how to dress before, but now I know how it feels to really dress well. Id had no idea how many flavors and colors and styles shirts come in. I’d never thought of wearing cufflinks or trying different kinds of collars. Actually, Best Custom Shirt helped me to understand what a professional man should look like.

It did something else, too. It convinced him that this was a business with a future; a place that inspired trust.

I was so impressed at how well they did business online. They have formulas theyve come up with in terms of fit and style that are based on 15 years of experience. And they have a website that can really help people, he enthused.

So it was no surprise that when Jose heard Best Custom Shirt was seeking a new head of customer service he suggested himself. What better spokesman, he asked, than a truly satisfied customer? Just to be extra careful, he also did some additional due diligence.

I like to do research on everything Im doing, so I personally checked out the competition. Believe it when I tell you theres nobody out there that provides the services that Janine does from the beginning, when you place the order, to the end, when she ensures youre satisfied with the purchase, assures Jose.

A few weeks later, he assumed the post of customer service director.

Now, I check to make sure all our interactions with customers have gone well. In a typical week, that probably means dealing with about 400 to 500 people who either call, or ask questions or want swatches or a price quote or who want to find out something more about our program for short sizes, explains Jose.

He adds, The typical day might involve someone who calls and says, I need to expedite my order. Thankfully, thats really rare, but when it happens, my job is to immediately get on the phone and track down the order, solve any problems that might be involved, and give the customer the full update, along with an assurance about when their custom dress shirts will arrive.

Joses ultimate goal is to guarantee complete satisfaction, not only to ensure a job well done, but to live up to Janines high standards for her custom dress shirts.

I make sure to resolve any misunderstandings so that both parties are ok. Janine has a one hundred per cent satisfaction guarantee on all custom dress shirts and I make sure to honor that, he underlines.

Joses employment with Best Custom Shirt has now confirmed his initial notion that the perfect spokesperson for a product is a satisfied customer. Besides, he wouldnt have it any other way.

I love my custom shirts, enthuses Jose, and I feel really good about serving customers who buy our short men shirts , because I know theyll have the same reaction I did.

For more information on custom dress shirts for short sizes please visit

Shopping clothes for your little boy has never been so easy. With so many online clothing stores that are flooding the internet, you can now pick clothes, compare prices and order online in just a couple of mouse clicks. No need to stay in long lines just to pay for your purchases. Now you can order and make your payments online without the hassle.

Yes, shopping online is now made easy. However, if you are like most moms who are clueless on the latest trend in fashion for little boys, you may end up buying something that is off the trend. Maybe it’s time for you to update yourself with the latest fashion clothes and accessories for your little tot. To help you make wise purchases, following are some of the newest trend in boy’s clothing.

Everyday Look – Tops
Everyday clothes for boys are easy to find. These clothes are hip, versatile and trendy. They are comfy and airy. For tops, toddlers will look hip in Novelty Crew Tees, graphic tees and plain shirts. They can be matched with plaid short, khakis and jeans. Polo shirt is a classic and it can be worn when going out to play with friends or as a casual wear for school. They are typically made of 100 percent cotton. Cotton is a good fabric for active boys because it absorbs sweat. Another stylish clothes style for boys is plaid shirts with pockets. They can be worn with blue jeans or khakis. Shirts with hoods are very cool as well. They come in different designs from the basic plain colors to prints. If your son has a tee with hood you can layer it with a long sleeve shirt inside. This is practical especially if it is windy outside and if your son is feeling a little chilly. The hood can keep the head and neck warm while the long sleeves can protect your child’s arm from cold.

Everyday Look – Bottoms
For bottoms, toddlers and big kids look fresh and cool in classic jeans and khakis. If you think that skinny jeans are just for girls, think again. Boys these days are now sporting and strutting skinny jeans with graphic shirts and jacket.

Formal Clothing For Your Little Fashionista
If your child is attending a formal party like a cousin’s wedding or a funeral, pick a nice shade of dress pants and match it with a basic long sleeve. Long sleeves are now available in variety of colors. The most popular for boys are red, blue, white, gray, black and orange.

Vests And Ties
Layering clothes can make a boring outfit look modish. If your son is attending a special event that requires formal wear, you can match a plain long sleeve with a vest or a patterned tie. Your son will certainly look polished and elegant.

Shopping with your kid can be very challenging especially if your little tot likes to wander around. Thanks to the advancement of technology you can now shop at home. In just a couple of mouse clicks you can buy your little sweet heart all sorts of stuff from clothes, shoes and accessories. Consider the new trends in fashion for little boys mentioned above and surely your little one will be the best dressed kid in your block. One last tip, if you are shopping for something special like birthday clothes or a wedding suit for your little ones, order ahead of time as online shops have different shipping schedules. Of course you wouldn’t want your son’s dress to be delayed for the occasion.