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Casual Friday tips for men.
Depending where you work, the rules for “casual” can range from a sportscoat to outright scruffy. Style blog Fashion Beans offers some wise advice. 1. Avoid TMI. Save tight, deep cut or transparent for evenings. 2. Avoid logos, printed T’s, or fashion statements. A discrete polo pony or alligator are fine. 3. Ask. Collars required?…
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Seasonal storage.
Before you stow away the swim suits, linen trousers and patio cushions, be sure everything is clean, clean, clean. Invisible spots can oxidize into permanent stains – food drips and body oils are an invitation to hungry insects. Once everything is clean, store in a cool, dry place in breathable containers, like fabric garment bags.
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Cramped closet?
The coming fall is a good time to clean out the jumble. Living Well Spending Less has a great article based on a 40-hanger closet. It starts with splurging on 40 new matching hangers. Then the purging, editing and organizing begins. You end up with the quality pieces you love, wear often and are stylish and flattering.…
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Style tips just for Leos.
Choose dramatic hues like red, gold or black. Your fashion sensibility is informed by your taste for luxury and your need to be the center of attention. To get both, look for bold looks and, if your wallet can stand it, designer labels like Tom Ford. See a whole gamut of tips for every sign…
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Science fiction laundry.
Drop a bowling-ball size gizmo into your clothes hamper or laundry basket. First it burrows through the laundry, steaming everything to loosen soil, then it electrostatically sucks the dirt right out of the fabric before blowing hot air through the pile to dry. This futuristic concept from the Electrolux Design Challenge might make the washing…
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Flax — the oldest fiber on earth.
Looking for a warm weather alternative to cotton? Flax is the oldest known fabric, and it’s comparable to cotton in all ways – some even better. Flax is eco-friendly and great for high moisture and humidity areas. Flax, otherwise known as linen, is less likely to mildew, keeps the body cool, and can cost less than cotton.…
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New for summer.
Fashion never stops innovating, and this season’s no exception. Iridescence is a hot look, on a holographic dresses or metallic clutch. Netted mesh is seen in breezy tops and daring insets. Full skirts are back for a ladylike silhouette. The classic white button-down blouse was seen with necktie detailing, embellishments and asymetrical cuts from Rachel…
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Dressy biking.
When the urban commute is by bicycle, carrying an extra set of office clothes can be a drag. So San Francisco designer Parker Dusseau has created a Commuter Suit that breathes, wicks and allows a range of motion while presenting a classic downtown look. They’ve built the suit of Superwool with a touch of spandex…
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Color me sad.
Let’s hope you find the crayons before throwing the laundry in the dryer. You’re in for a surprise when you open the dryer door and find waxy, colored stains on everything in the load, perhaps even on the dryer door and walls. Take a deep breath and bring the stained items to us. Drycleaning can…
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Lace is back.
Every runway, from Dior to Vera Wang, is showing lace for spring/summer 2014. WWD says, “Whether cutwork, crochet or eyelet, this ancient handiwork takes an au courant chic look for spring.” Dolce and Gabbana contrasts black lace with bright blue in the their cruise collection www.swide.com/?p=307049. Going beyond the typical, graphic mesh inserts and webbed…