July 29, 2010

How to Find the Perfect Bra

If you’re anything like the majority of women, you could be wearing a bra that doesn’t fit. If you’re wearing a bra that’s too large or too small, it’s time to do something about it!

Fortunately, I have a few tips to help you find the perfect bra for you.

Before you even think about trying on a new bra, you need to determine your correct measurements. Because every bra is measured differently, knowing your numbers is a crucial factor in finding the perfect bra.

If you don’t feel comfortable measuring yourself, go to the lingerie section in a department store. Once there, you can find trained professionals to accurately take your bust measurements so you know for sure what size you are.

After you have your measurements, choose a bras in your size to try on. A well-fitting bra won’t cut into your back or shoulders, and will be snug but not too tight. Similarly, the bra shouldn’t droop or gape, and you shouldn’t have to pull the straps up every five seconds. If any of this happens, the bra is too big or too small and you need to look for a different size.

Once you’ve tried on a range of bras, you should find two or three that fit perfectly. A great bra is a must to have, but they wear out easily – buy a few of your favorites, and change them out regularly for even wear.

How to Wear a Strapless Dress with Style

I never thought I could pull off a strapless dress; I couldn’t have been more wrong!

Even if you aren’t endowed with an ample bustline, you can wear that gorgeous strapless beauty you’ve been eying. All it takes is a little know-how – fortunately for you, I have a few hints to teach you how to wear a strapless dress with style.

First and foremost, ensure the dress actually fits before you purchase it. Buy a dress that’s form fitting, but doesn’t force any body fat to pop out (ladies, you know what I’m talking about!) You’ll also want to find a dress that offers a fuller bottom, like this one. The full skirt on the bottom will balance out the form fitting top of the dress to create a look that’s simply beautiful.

Of course, wearing a strapless dress requires you to purchase special undergarments that won’t show through. The last think you want are your bra straps showing – it’s a strapless dress for a reason, honey!

Thankfully, there are a variety of strapless and/or convertible bras you can purchase to wear with your new dress. Forget about underwires, lace, or anything that much show through your strapless dress. Instead, look for a strapless or convertible bra that’s completely seamless and design-free for a smooth look and feel. Keep the same idea in mind for your bottom half, as well (there’s a reason thongs were invented!)

While a strapless dress doesn’t require a lot of fuss to make it look nice, a few accessories never hurts. Don’t overload on jewelry, however; instead, stick with a simple pair of chandelier earrings or a demure pendant for a look that’s totally stylish.

Now work the look, girl!

Finding the Perfect Pair of Jeans

The perfect pair of jeans not only makes you look good; it makes you feel good to wear them. I’m always devastated when my “perfect” denim jeans bite the dust; usually, I can’t find the same pair anymore!

By now I’ve learned to buy at least three pairs of a jean when I fall in love with them (you should, too) but what if you’re searching for a NEW pair to replace your favorite standby?

Thankfully, I’ve come up with a few tips that will teach you how to find the the perfect pair of jeans every time.

  • Fit, NOT Fashion

While jeans should look good on the rack, they should also look good on your body, as well. If they’re too tight or too big in one place, then forget them – jeans should be form fitting, but not so tight you need a crowbar to pry them off. You should also be able to comfortable sit, stand and move around in them.

  • Designer Denim May be Worth It

If you can afford it, you may want to invest in a pair or two of designer jeans. While you may balk at the price, higher-quality denim actually does cost more to produce; as such, the price will pay off when you realize your designer jeans last longer. If you wear jeans frequently, buying a designer pair may be worth it.

  • Try, Try Again

The only way to find the perfect pair of jeans for your body type is to try on many pairs. Different body types will look better in certain cuts, so try on several different styles to find the pair that works for you.

Finding the perfect pair of jeans doesn’t have to be a difficult process. Simply follow these tips to make your next shopping trip a little easier!

What to Wear to a Wedding

If you’re struggling with what to wear to an upcoming wedding, have no fear – I’ve got the information that will help you learn what’s appropriate to wear, no matter what type of wedding you’re attending.

What you wear to a wedding will usually depend on what the invitation says. For example, if the invitation says “casual,” that doesn’t normally mean you can throw on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt and be good to go.

Throw on a simple dress or a skirt and semi-dressy shirt, and don’t be afraid to accent the outfit with a pair of silver chandelier earrings or a bold brooch (especially if the outfit is neutral.)

For formal weddings, (i.e., the invitation says black tie), wedding guests are expected to be dressed to the nines. For these weddings, you’ll want to choose a floor-length formal gown. Never, I repeat, NEVER choose a gown that will take attention away from the bride, however – that’s a wedding faux pas you simply cannot make. Instead, choose a formal gown that you can see yourself wearing again.

If the bride-to-be is holding a destination wedding, what you wear will depend on the destination! For warm climates, choose an outfit that’s cool and lightweight – don’t be afraid of a little color, either!

For cooler weather, the last thing you want to do is wear a skin-baring dress – do you really want to freeze at the wedding? In this case, choose a dressy pantsuit or skirtsuit combination like this one; you’ll be relatively warm and stylish for a destination wedding in a colder climate.

While choosing what to wear to a wedding can be a mind-numbing task, with these tips you’ll be armed with everything you need to know about choosing an appropriate outfit.

If you’re still in doubt – ask the bride! She’ll be able to tell you exactly what you should wear.

How to Be a Well Dressed Man

ZZ Top weren’t kidding when they proclaimed that girls go crazy over a sharp dressed man – it’s true!

No, you don’t have to wear a suit and tie every day to look sharp; there are, however, a few key rules every man should know in order to look his best, no matter the occasion.

  1. Size Matters

It’s true, size DOES matter… when it comes to your clothes fitting! It doesn’t matter what designer label you are wearing or how much those jeans cost if you’re clothing doesn’t fit you well. The well-dressed man knows to choose clothing that accentuates his assets (get your mind out of the gutter, kids!); too-large clothing or clothes that are too tight look bad, and people will notice.

2.  Know your Style

If you’re completely clueless about what looks good on you, enlist the help of an honest friend or relative to give your wardrobe a critical eye. If you know what works and what doesn’t, you can be confident your wardrobe not only reflects your personal style… but reflects it well.

3.  Remember the Details

Even the best-fitting clothes won’t matter if the rest of your appearance looks disorderly. It’s important to remember the details, and focus on your overall appearance – not just one aspect of it. In other words, make sure your clothes look good, but also take care of your hair, your shoes… everything!

By following the previous tips, you can be a well dressed men that the girls really will go crazy over – just add a dash of confidence, and you’re good to go.