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Dressing for success still works.
According to Inc. magazine’s survey of 500 firms, relaxed dress leads to relaxed manners, morals and productivity. What you wear impacts your attitude, affects others and can influence the reputation of your entire company. Wearing traditional business attire puts you in the mood to work, performing at your best. Wearing sneakers puts you in the…
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Flag etiquette.
Displaying our national symbol is actually covered by an official Flag Code. For instance, the flag should not be flown in the dark or inclement weather. It should not be used as decoration – that’s a job for bunting, streamers and decorative materials. Always display the blue part on top. When the flag is lowered,…
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Camp collars.
With bold prints and patterns, men’s camp collar shirts will be popular this summer with open-neck casual comfort, boxy fit and straight bottom hems. Tuck into chinos or wear oversized over a t-shirt for a youthful look, under a sports jacket for a more classic look. Valet magazine recommends classic camp collar shirts with wild…
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Summer wedding tips.
A woman’s first rule: keep the spotlight on the bride by avoiding 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…
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Between cleanings.
A few simple steps can save a trip and add at least another wear to your dressy clothes. After wearing, hang the garment on a sturdy wooden hanger, remove pocket contents, belts or accessories, then give jackets, skirts or pants a thorough brushing to remove lint, dust and surface grime. Ease out wrinkles with a…
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Men’s spring shopping.
Add a few new pieces to bring your wardrobe into style. Look for a bomber or army-style jacket to wear with lived-in jeans and a graphic t. This season’s relaxed-fit pants are far from baggy: legs are tapered, cropped or cuffed, there’s room in the seat and thighs. Lived-in jeans have rolled or frayed bottoms…
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Laundry money savers.
Most loads in your washing machine can be effectively cleaned with cold water. The only time you really need to use hot water (with bleach) is for germ-killing sanitation on diapers or sickroom linens. Today’s detergents are formulated to work in warm or cold water, and heating water for laundry can chew into your utility…
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Stowing winter leathers.
Anything made of leather needs maintenance, especially if it’s been exposed to winter conditions. Wipe shoes and boots with a damp cloth, especially if salt-stained. Inspect jackets and coats for damage, tears or stains before hanging on a well-padded hanger for storage. Use leather conditioner on dry spots like elbows and seams. Frequently worn items…
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Bridal planning 101.
Book early – caterers, venues, florists and popular bands and DJs are first-come, first-booked. Think seasonal: flowers in season are prettier, fresher (and a lot cheaper) so choose your flowers and let them guide the color scheme for your special day. Visit a bridal fair for ideas, connections and free advice from wedding professionals. We…
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Spring (closet) cleaning.
Make space by eliminating any garment that is: (1) truly stained or stinky. We can do a lot, but some stains and smells are forever. (2) Damaged beyond repair, even by a talented seamstress. (3) Would you buy it right now? (4) It does not fit. Not now, probably never. (5). Wrong look, wrong image.…