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How to thrift, part 1
Know your fit and know what can be successfully altered. Carpe item. In other words, grab it when you find it. Time your visits to take advantage of thrift store stocking schedules. Look for damage. Hold it up to natural light and check for spots, holes and stains. Then try it on to make triple…
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Summer wedding tips for men.
Women have it easy with a simple non-white dress. In summer, a man’s traditional dark suit can be too warm, somber and predictable. For a city wedding, choose a lightweight suit in gray, blue or a subtle pattern. Style it up with a pastel Oxford or poplin shirt. In the country, blazers and sport coats…
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Uncode the invitation.
Your clue to choosing the right garb is sometimes confusing. Here’s a quick guide. Black tie is formal wear, tuxedos and cocktail or evening dresses. Black tie optional allows a dark suit. Resort formal is warmweather code for bright and lightweight clothes. For semi or business formal, wear a cocktail dress or dressy suit that…
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Six pairs is enough.
According to fashion expert Brock McGoff an adult male only needs six pairs of shoes for almost every day. Start with white canvas sneakers and light brown boat shoes for warm weather casual. A pair of medium brown dessert boots (chukkas) for jeans, cords or chinos. Dark brown loafers for business casual, brown wingtips for…
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Women dress for work.
In our lifetimes, we’ve seen women’s workplace attire move from conservative jacketed suits to denim and t-shirts. For a pictorial history showing how fashion has changed since women started office work, Mashable’s photo story shows the shift from crinoline hoops to thumb rings and tattoos. One thing will never change and that’s a woman’s desire…
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The jean jacket.
The denim coat was first seen on 19th century Japanese firemen, marked with bold indigo symbols. By the end of the century, Industrial Revolution factory workers wore blue jackets, source of the phrase “blue collar.” In 1905, Levi’s “Type I” was the choice for rugged workwear. By the 1950’s, Brando, Presley and those crazy beatniks…
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Ready for vintage?
Vintage and antique garments are all the rage, but before you buy check these critical five factors: Look for quality. Well made garments may be more expensive but they’ll be worth it in the long run. Check the fabric. Excessive heat can cause dry rot and separation, especially in collar, cuff and across the seat.…
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Which suit suits you for summer?
Poppin’ neon colors, abstract patterns and slinky styles are what’s on at poolside or beach. Look for one- and two-piece suits in bold geometric patterns, from exact to wavy and distorted. Crave a little more old-school? Details like fringe, braiding, halter necklines and ruching, all in neutral colors screaming Boho. See examples and more at…
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Flax by any name
Are you in the hunt for a cool fabric this season, but want to try something other than cotton? Flax is the oldest known fabric, and is commonly referred to as linen. Flax is eco-friendly and great for areas with high moisture and humidity. Flax is less likely to mildew, keeps the body cool, and…
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Summer wedding tips for women.
The unbreakable rule: keep the spotlight on the bride and never wear white, cream or pale pastels. Prints with light backgrounds are fine, as long as they don’t read as white from a distance. If the ceremony is in a house of worship, cover your shoulders with a sleeved dress or jacket. If the wedding’s…