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Are you tired of your aftershave lotion? Are you unable to find an effective shaving gel? Do you think searching for any productive product is simply wasting money on useless items? Are you a man worried of problems like pimples, blemishes and wrinkles on your skin? If yes, then read the secrets for men skin care.

Men skincare is just as important as woman’s. The misleading notion that men should not follow a beauty routine is a story of the past. Everyone has a right to enjoy clear and smoother skin, which is possible by taking a little care of which type of product you put on or use on your skin.

Since male skin comes in to contact with the sun and dust more than women, extra care should be taken. Always wear a sun-block lotion with a suitable range of SPF before going out; it should be water proof to help resist your skin from UV ray damages. Regularly wash your face with a good soap-free wash to clean the dirt and oil.

Regularly use a cleanser to get a clearer skin, a gentle skin massage helps the face pores to open and breathe oxygen which will rejuvenate the glow of your face. Also, use a moisturizer if you have a drier skin type and toner specially designed for men. Using shaving lotions and gels which suit your skin type and does not produce redness and itching during or after usage will be your best bet.

Always remember that there is no supplement that can beat natural ingredients, as they are harmless and work much better than their synthetic counterparts which may also have certain serious after effects. The products which are made of natural extracts should always be preferred. Some of these are CoQ10, antioxidants such as retinol and beta carotene, and other naturally obtained substances like phytessence wakame and cynergy TK.

All these ingredients are excellent for our skin. They stimulate natural collagen and elastin in the skin tissues and therefore bring back our youthful glow and radiance. Other than these, vitamin A and C are also added to various products meant for men’s skincare. These are antioxidants and are useful for minimizing the effects of oxidation.

Another men skin care requisite is using after-shave lotion or a toner. It smoothens the skin after harshness of shaving and makes it more even. But be aware that the product you are using should never contain alcohols, preservatives and fragrances since they are not good for our skin health and cause different problems, the biggest of which is skin cancer itself.

Following these steps can lead you to a perfect complexion and a problem-free skin.

John Gibb is a dedicated researcher of skin care health and products. He shares his research on his website – Natural Skincare. If you have unwanted wrinkles, fine lines and damaged skin, visit – How to achieve the best looking skin naturally now to learn about the skin care line our editors personally use and recommend.

We have personally been using these products with excellent results.

As the popularity of Extreme Sports continues its rise, the concept of Motorcycle Racing has taken on new meaning. From road racing to Grand Prix, to motocross, supercross, and freestyle competition, one thing is for sure: if you race, you are going to fall off your bike on one or more occasions.

That being said, todays motorcycle racing jackets and apparel are designed taking this into consideration, and they compensate by giving you the best possible protection in the most likely places prone to injury. The basic principal is to design garments that will pad the most vulnerable body parts, and allow for a clean slide on asphalt or dirt without bunching up or tearing to shreds.

Racing jackets will and should come with some kind of body armor either fixed inside the jacket, or removable. Armor comes in different forms, from thick foams, to plastic covered compounds, to hard, shock absorbing rubbers.

When considering the purchase of a racing jacket and/or suit, make sure the armor is CE approved. Certifique Europe is a European standard of certification that grades armor on three levels, level 1 being the least protective, level 3 the most.

At the very least, a racing jacket should have protective armor at the shoulders and elbows, and pants should have extra protection at the knee and hip. In the case of a two piece racing suit, the bottom will often be zipped to the jacket, to allow the garment to act as one piece during a slide.

Back protectors are not often found in racing jackets, but there is in some jackets a place to insert one. Since most spinal injuries are caused by blows to the extremities as opposed to direct impact to the back, the back protector is better suited for protection from flying projectiles, and thus is often made from hard plastics.

Another major consideration for a racing jacket is the comfort factor.

Motorcycle jackets are usually made from a combination of materials, the basis of which is leather. Kevlar stitching can be used to insure the strength of the seams, and patches of Kevlar or other high stress synthetic materials are used on particularly vulnerable areas like the shoulders, elbows and knees. Stretch panels of various materials are often employed at strategic locations such as under the arms and at the knee to promote ease of movement in extreme conditions.

Because black leather has a natural tendency to be hot, racing jackets tend to be more colorful than your typical black leather jacket, using combinations of colors, obviously to attract attention to a particular racer, but also in part to reflect the heat of the suns rays. Some racing jackets employ perforated leather to allow the air to penetrate the jacket, and air vents are often used to provide circulation.

With modern synthetics gaining in popularity, many racers are choosing these tough and durable materials over leather because of their coolness, light weight, and waterproof characteristics. It is not uncommon to find legitimate racing gear that forgo the use of leather altogether.

Whereas todays modern day motorcycle racing apparel employ all the technological know how to keep the racer safe and comfortable, racing jackets are also popular within the traditional biker community. A little bit of extra armor never hurts, and because many jackets use removable armor, you don’t have to look so robotic at your local biker bar. Additionally, you dont have to be stick with basic black, the colorful styles often found in the racing jacket genre add another layer of coolness for the biker to choose from!

Michael Talbert is the creator, owner, and operator of Biker Leather Ltd., an online retailer of fine leather and textile motorcycle jackets, chaps, leather vests and biker accessories. Visit the website at http://www.NakedLeatherBiker.com

When you are looking for a pair or reef sandals you are getting ready for the summer months that are a head of you. That way there with the reef sandals you will be able to stay cool without your feet sweating much because they are confined to the inside of your shoe all say long.

There are many different styles and colors that you are able to choose from when it comes to getting a pair of reef sandals for your apparel. There are so many different kinds of reef sandals that you may think that you are not going to be able to choose a pair that is going to suit what you are looking for when it comes to your feet.

There are so many people that are self confident about their feet that they may be very choosey about the style of reef sandals they are going to wear when they are out walking around in the summer. No matter what you think you feet are like you will be able to find a pair of reef sandals that are going to be perfect for you and what ever your need are in the summer months.

The reef sandals are the perfect sandals to slip into when you are going out in a hurry for some fun in the sun. Plus they are going to be easy to slip out of if you are at the pool or sea and is ready to get in. Even some people will choose to purchase more than just one pair of reef sandals so they will have a pair of reef sandals for all different kinds of clothes that they are planning of wearing.

If you are looking into buying a pair of reef sandals you will want to have a little idea to the color and style you are looking for in a sandal to wear so that you will be able to find them with ease. If you are not sure to the style, you want you may find your self looking and trying on a variety of different reef sandals so that you are able to find the right pair for you.

When you are looking for the perfect pair of sandals to wear all summer long you are going to want to check out the different styles and colors of reef sandals because you are sure to find some that will match your personality and the outfits that you are planning on wearing all summer long. That way you will be able to stay a little cooler when you are walking in the hot sun compared to if you were wearing a pair of sneakers all the time. http://www.reefsandals.info

Having a husband in prison is a stigma in our society. However it is possible to cope and get through this difficult time in your life. Let me help you along the way and give you a few tips.

I myself am a “Prison Wife.” My husband has been in the prison system for the past 22 months. He was first in a minimum security unit, a place called “THE FARM, ” with open doors, and no barbed wire. Now, he is in a half-way house, hoping to come back home the summer of 2005.

The “Prison Wife” is the forgotten one, as she waits at home for her husband. Our society takes care of the sick, the dyimg, the homeless, but the prisoner’s wife is alone and forgotten.

She is faced with insurmountable problems….financial,emotional, psychological, social, stigmatization, health problems to face alone, children to take care of. She keeps the household “together,” until her husband comes home. She works, pays the bills, pays the mortgage or rent, the car payments, insurances. She takes care of the children, repairs for the house, and just about everything else under the sun. Holidays and birthdays come and go. She is alone and lonely, most often faced with depression.
Most find it difficult to even face another day. She lives in hiding because she is afraid the neighbors may find out. So she lies and says he is on a “business” trip, to protect herself…after all, the neighbors would be shocked to know a criminal’s wife lives next door to them. And, what does she tell the children? No one wants to let their child play with a criminal’s child.

When her husband leaves for prison, the wife goes through a period of “grieving.” She goes through the same “grieving process” that a widow goes through. The only difference is that the widow can eventually move on, while the prison wife cannot. The Prison Wife is a “wife,” without a husband. She cannot go out and socialize, and it is difficult to make new friends, as she feels she is being “unfaithful” to her husband.

After a certain amount of time (months or even years), it is acceptable in our socity for the widow to step out, and start dating and even re-marry. The Prison Wife who is faithful and dedicated to her husband does not have this option….some women wait years for their man to return…10 , even 20 or more years.

There are close to 2 million prisoners in our country….that makes me wonder just how many wives and loved ones are left behind and forgotten. We think about the prisoner, but never, ever, think about those left behind…..the wives, the children, the mothers, the girlfriends, to name a few. Those loved ones, who did not commit a crime, except the crime of “loving a criminal.” They did not commit a crime, and yet they are punished.

When their husband goes to prison, they are not notified by the prison system where their husbamnd is. I believe there should be some notification system in this country. The wife must sit and wait, until her husband is able to place a collect call to her.

There should be support systems in this country for prison wives. There should be follow-up programs for families of the incarcerated, to see how they are coping.

I will now give you some tips on how to get through this period of your life. It is from my own personal experience, and I hope it can help you………..after all, just remember, you are not alone……….there are so many of us out there experiencing the same feelings and emotions…the same problems.

“Ways To Cope”

1. Take one day at a time……..Do not think too far in advance. Try to get “through one more day.”

2. Plan small projects for each day, and try to reach a goal. For instance, I put all our photos in photo albums, during the first few weeks of my husband’s incarceration. When that project was complete, I started cleaning out drawers and closets.

3. Organize tour life…………I re-organized bills and mail, using folders and envelopes, and I kept logs, writing everything down.

4. Keep pictures of your husband around the house….I had pictures in every room. I even had one posted on the refridgerator door.

5. Join a church group. I started baking cakes for the monthly cake sale. I enjoyed doing it, and felt I was contributing something to society.

6. Get involved…acquire hobbies. Knitting, needle-point, gardening, writing, keeping a diary….anything. just do something, even if you force yourself to do it. As time goes on, it will get easier, and you will begin to enjoy it. I planted an “Angel Garden,” outside in the yard, with angel statues, and flowers. I also began writing poetry, stories and letters to the editor. I also began writing a journal, which became a very important part of my life.

7. Keep in close contact with your husband….Accept phone calls (if you can afford it, as prison phone calls are extrememly expensive), send your husband letters, cards,magazine and newspaper clippings, and computer print-outs of thingd that interest him. Send him pictures (old and new)…Men in prison love to look at pictures from home. It helps them from becoming homesick. My husband has almost 100 pictures that he keeps in photo albums, and loves to share with the inmates, and show them our family and home. If I change something around in the household,or buy anything new, iI take a picture and send it to him, so he always feels connected to our home. I also tkae pictures of the pets, the garden, and the cars.

8. Keep a notebook near the phone at all times. Jot down things you want to discuss with your husband when he calls. Remember, those are 15 minute calls, and there is a lot to say in a short period of time, so get organized beforehand.

9. Cry when you have to, but also try to stay focused. Do not be torn apart by the prison system. You are still a person, and a wife…and you need to be supportive to your husband.

10. Try to stay healthy. Eat right, avoid junk food and alcohol. Exercise. Try walking. After all, you want to be physically fit when your husband comes home!

I hope this article will be of some help to the wives and loved ones of prisoners, as they await their loved one while he is in prison.

My name is Frances Russo,RN,BSN,MA. I am a retired Registered Nurse,who is now legally- blind , and does free-lance writing, as a hobby. I enjoy writing short stories for magazines and poetry. During my life, I enjoyed education, and international travel, having travelled to 28 countries. I’ve lived in Manhattan, California, Las Vegas, and New Jersey. My husband is currently within the prison system, and I enjoy writing a journal, which has become quite popular. It is called “Reflections Of A Prison Wife.” Please visit my web-site! http://journals.aol.com/crystalmoon222/reflectionsofaprisonwife/

Over 5800 have read my journal, leaving comments and identifying with it. They find strength in my journal. I have recently been interviewed by 2 newspapers, and my story will soon be published , along with photos (ASBURY PARK PRESS AND THE PRESS OF ATLANTIC CITY). My journal is the basis of a book I am writing.

Are you tired of your aftershave lotion? Are you unable to find an effective shaving gel? Do you think searching for any productive product is simply wasting money on useless items? Are you a man worried of problems like pimples, blemishes and wrinkles on your skin? If yes, then read the secrets for men skin care.

Men skincare is just as important as woman’s. The misleading notion that men should not follow a beauty routine is a story of the past. Everyone has a right to enjoy clear and smoother skin, which is possible by taking a little care of which type of product you put on or use on your skin.

Since male skin comes in to contact with the sun and dust more than women, extra care should be taken. Always wear a sun-block lotion with a suitable range of SPF before going out; it should be water proof to help resist your skin from UV ray damages. Regularly wash your face with a good soap-free wash to clean the dirt and oil.

Regularly use a cleanser to get a clearer skin, a gentle skin massage helps the face pores to open and breathe oxygen which will rejuvenate the glow of your face. Also, use a moisturizer if you have a drier skin type and toner specially designed for men. Using shaving lotions and gels which suit your skin type and does not produce redness and itching during or after usage will be your best bet.

Always remember that there is no supplement that can beat natural ingredients, as they are harmless and work much better than their synthetic counterparts which may also have certain serious after effects. The products which are made of natural extracts should always be preferred. Some of these are CoQ10, antioxidants such as retinol and beta carotene, and other naturally obtained substances like phytessence wakame and cynergy TK.

All these ingredients are excellent for our skin. They stimulate natural collagen and elastin in the skin tissues and therefore bring back our youthful glow and radiance. Other than these, vitamin A and C are also added to various products meant for men’s skincare. These are antioxidants and are useful for minimizing the effects of oxidation.

Another men skin care requisite is using after-shave lotion or a toner. It smoothens the skin after harshness of shaving and makes it more even. But be aware that the product you are using should never contain alcohols, preservatives and fragrances since they are not good for our skin health and cause different problems, the biggest of which is skin cancer itself.

Following these steps can lead you to a perfect complexion and a problem-free skin.

John Gibb is a dedicated researcher of skin care health and products. He shares his research on his website – Natural Skincare. If you have unwanted wrinkles, fine lines and damaged skin, visit – How to achieve the best looking skin naturally now to learn about the skin care line our editors personally use and recommend.

We have personally been using these products with excellent results.

Are you tired of your aftershave lotion? Are you unable to find an effective shaving gel? Do you think searching for any productive product is simply wasting money on useless items? Are you a man worried of problems like pimples, blemishes and wrinkles on your skin? If yes, then read the secrets for men skin care.

Men skincare is just as important as woman’s. The misleading notion that men should not follow a beauty routine is a story of the past. Everyone has a right to enjoy clear and smoother skin, which is possible by taking a little care of which type of product you put on or use on your skin.

Since male skin comes in to contact with the sun and dust more than women, extra care should be taken. Always wear a sun-block lotion with a suitable range of SPF before going out; it should be water proof to help resist your skin from UV ray damages. Regularly wash your face with a good soap-free wash to clean the dirt and oil.

Regularly use a cleanser to get a clearer skin, a gentle skin massage helps the face pores to open and breathe oxygen which will rejuvenate the glow of your face. Also, use a moisturizer if you have a drier skin type and toner specially designed for men. Using shaving lotions and gels which suit your skin type and does not produce redness and itching during or after usage will be your best bet.

Always remember that there is no supplement that can beat natural ingredients, as they are harmless and work much better than their synthetic counterparts which may also have certain serious after effects. The products which are made of natural extracts should always be preferred. Some of these are CoQ10, antioxidants such as retinol and beta carotene, and other naturally obtained substances like phytessence wakame and cynergy TK.

All these ingredients are excellent for our skin. They stimulate natural collagen and elastin in the skin tissues and therefore bring back our youthful glow and radiance. Other than these, vitamin A and C are also added to various products meant for men’s skincare. These are antioxidants and are useful for minimizing the effects of oxidation.

Another men skin care requisite is using after-shave lotion or a toner. It smoothens the skin after harshness of shaving and makes it more even. But be aware that the product you are using should never contain alcohols, preservatives and fragrances since they are not good for our skin health and cause different problems, the biggest of which is skin cancer itself.

Following these steps can lead you to a perfect complexion and a problem-free skin.

John Gibb is a dedicated researcher of skin care health and products. He shares his research on his website – Natural Skincare. If you have unwanted wrinkles, fine lines and damaged skin, visit – How to achieve the best looking skin naturally now to learn about the skin care line our editors personally use and recommend.

We have personally been using these products with excellent results.

Is your long distance relationship thriving…or just surviving? Are you madly in love with someone but cannot find a way to live in the same city? How do you support your relationship when you have very real physical distance between you?

I have seen couples fall apart because they could not sustain their relationship due to the distance between them, and I have seen others who find creative, romantic ways to keep the love alive. I know people who had a long distance relationship for years, complained about it, and finally got together in the same city, only to break up months after they lived near each other. Some people have long distance relationships and like it that way. And some couples don’t like the distance at all, but manage to still stay close.

How do they do that? Here are some of the challenges that exist when you have an out-of-town romance, and what you can do about it:

* Commitment

If you have just met, take care to spend enough time to truly know each other before you get in a committed relationship. There is no substitute for face-to-face communication. You need to meet each other’s friends, family, and co-workers. You need to experience good times and stressful ones together. Once you do, decide what your expectations are for your relationship. Be open and honest. How much commitment are you willing to give each other? This clarity is important to minimize misunderstanding.

* Trust

Once you can determine if you are both on the same level of investment in the relationship, trust and honesty become paramount to the success of your future. These elements are at the heart of all lasting unions, but distance challenges the security of your connection.

* Communication

Be dedicated to the way you stay in touch. Phone calls, emails, and chatting on-line are important. Set up a regular time to visit with each other, building a routine. But add some surprises such as, homemade videos, collected poems put in a special book, or self-decorated greeting cards. Stretch your imagination further with a lock of your hair in a unique box; an absorbent piece of cloth with your perfume or after-shave scent; your favorite flower, pressed and framed. If the other person does not call often, make time for you, or send appropriate communications, do not hang on. Let go and get on with your life.

* Plan your reunions.

Decide where to meet, how often, and how you want to spend the time when you see each other. Be very clear about what your expectations are for the time you have together. This is where many relationships break down. His idea of the perfect weekend could be sitting in front of the TV with her at his side, watching football. Hers could be visiting friends, attending a romantic movie, and later sharing secrets of the heart. He may expect her to cook his dinner; she may expect him to take her out. We all have old scripts that play out in new relationships, and unless we communicate what we want from each other, this is a recipe for misunderstandings and hurt feelings.

Finally, decide how long you want to live apart, and set a date for the move. It is true that when one of you moves to the other one’s town, you are taking a risk. However, most people say that even when it doesn’t work out, at least they gave love a chance. They didn’t want to spend their life longing to be somewhere else, continuing–a long distance relationship.

Visit http://www.tonjaweimer.com or http://www.singlesdatingtips.com for more tips, skills, and insight on dating, relationships, singles, and love. Subscribe to our F*ree Savvy Dating Newsletter from master single’s coach, life coach, and syndicated columnist, Tonja Weimer. Copyright 2006, Tonja Weimer. (Please note source if reprinting this article.)

Marriage becomes a fragile bond at times. In this relationship of man and woman, woman is a more sensitive agent. She often faces extremely difficult situations when her husband leaves the house. Men may leave the house for many reasons. Sometimes he gets angry over some issue, sometimes as a consequence of some fight; husband wants to put an end to the marriage. In most occasions, the reason is misunderstanding. In any case, you should try to uphold your relationship and get your husband back.

Mostly, when your husband leaves the house, both the parties are very emotional. For this reason, you may not like to hold your husband back and allow him to leave in anger. You may also worsen the situation by telling him that you are happy without him and things of the sort.

You may not even like to contact your man if he leaves considering it as an ego issue or feel that by doing so, you may be degrading your dignity. However, to save your relationship, if you have to do things like this it is not about ego at this point. This is more about being mature and handling the situation in an intelligent way. Even if the fault is at his end, contacting him or even apologizing monetarily can help him to calm down. Once he is emotionally stable, you can talk and discuss the issue like grown ups.

You should show genuine concern about him. Yet at the same time, you should not act as a weakling. Men regard those women who are strong and confident. You need to remain strong and at he same time, let him know that you care for him as he is your husband. He is your strength and you are his.

Marriage is about mutual love and care. If any of the partners leave the house, the other person should try and make the situation normal. This relationship requires patience as well as understanding.

Most people lose their spouse in emotional fits. Man is more aggressive by nature and can easily lose temper. In this situation, woman should act more calmly and try to get him back. It will not be her defeat but her victory.

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Saying one’s adieu to the summer season is a bittersweet affair. With the withering of leaves comes the layering of clothes, but fortunately for us, this fall season’s top trends defy the droll bleakness that can sometimes accompany the fall and winter seasons with sleek and trim fits, vivid colors, and the revitalization of spruced up golden-oldies. Luckily, you don’t have to go and start throwing out your tucked away winter clothes. This season’s trends are accents and are here to help men do something they’re not given many opportunities to do: accessorize. There’s nothing like a good suit, of course, but why must it end there? Is it hard to straddle the lines between classic masculinity and a little menswear showmanship? This fall get ready to have a little fun with your wardrobe without feeling like you’re taking a risk.

Trend # 1: SUSPENDERS
Grandpas and newsies – that’s the extent of the suspenders’ prior versatility. This fall, try
pairing your suspenders with a nice white poplin collar shirt (poplins are great because they’re durable and hard to wrinkle, which can help when suspenders are pressing up against your shirt all day), a tie, and a pair of slim-cut flannel or tweed pants and you’re set to go to the office. Or if you feel like taking them out for a try out on the town, skip the buttons and the knots and try them on a fitted pair of slacks and a slim-cut hoodie, as seen in Emporio Armani’s fall menswear collection. Don’t shy away from adding a bit of color either. Suspenders in lavish fire engine red were seen in Adam Kimmel’s line and even in braided leather on army fatigue pants in the DSquared2 collection.

Trend # 2: VIBRANT PANTS
Earth tones, black and white: signature colors for the season that have been around since
time immemorial. Shirts, pants and coats in any combination of these colors can be found
in any man’s closet (as well they should – a classic never dies), but there is room for flexibility. Mustard, cerulean, moss, violet, cadmium – they’re all showing up, no – not just in dress shirts, but in men’s pants. Ralph Lauren and Paul Smith both explored a fun mongrelization of every man’s favorite hybrid, the “business-casual” look by going maybe one step further. Blazers, collared shirts and ties paired with very form-fitting, vibrant colored pants added a most welcome pizzazz to a golden oldie. If you’re leaning more towards the right side of that spectrum, make sure to style those colors with a more loose-fitted pant and try them with some lace-up boots (more on this particular article a little bit later) and a knitted jacket for a fun, sporty, ski-gear look.

Trend # 3: BOW TIES
Now, this we didn’t really see coming, but boy it works! The bowtie is a welcome respite for those bound to the 9 to 5 necktie day in and day out. Finally the bowtie is now extricable from the tuxedo á la Golden-Age of Hollywood. This fall, the use of the bowtie rids itself of the suit jacket altogether and finds a home in a more casual setting. Wear your tie with a cardigan over a buttoned-up collared shirts and tapered pants. Make sure to add a print or design in there, either above or below for a more faceted execution. Tartans/plaids and bowties have become this season’s perfect odd-couple. Finish off your look with a sleek pair of dress shoes. If you’re dead-set on wearing sneakers, a pair of John Varvatos Converse shoes should pull the look together perfectly.

Trend # 4: LACE-UP BOOTS
Lace-up boots stomped their way down many catwalks for this fall’s runway collections. It seems there was an immediate understanding amongst designers that lace-up boots were in, but boot-cut pants were out! Whether the boots come halfway up your calf or just above your ankle, make sure of one thing: show those laces. Feel free to roll those jeans up to expose the sleekness and overt butchness of the boot and pair it with a hefty, lined parka or duster. Or, take a more sophisticated route, with the most fatalistic aplomb by Neil Barrett in his spy-game “Tuxedo Ski” collection, where the tuxedo stayed intact and the perfectly fitted pant hid behind the boot. Sans the overly formal jacket, heed Mr. Barrett’s advice and replace it with a shiny, rained-slicked motorcycle jacket. The look is to die for. And if those picture-perfect Salvatore Ferragamo’s are too far out of your reach, check out Kenneth Cole’s “Moonrise” boot in either brown or black. They have an astronaut-skater sneaker look at the bottom and end at the shin in an almost Doc Martin styled combat boot, lined in fleece fabric.

Trend # 5: DARK DENIM
Now that the intensely hot summer sun has begun to dissipate a bit, it is safe once again to wear dark denim. There was hardly a piece of Donna Karan’s DKNY collection that didn’t come down the runway in dark denim jeans. Charcoal grays and opaque, onyx blacks give a certain sense of sophistication when combined with a blazer, dress shirt and tie. It provides a certain sleekness without looking uncomfortable and compartmentalized in an overly formal pair of work slacks. But to offset the dramatic effect of these dark hues, make sure to offset your outfit with at least one colorful article, be it a scarf, vest, or even a belt.

Trend # 6: SHEARLING
Simple nylons and polyesters are not going to cut it this fall and winter season. Instead, start looking for coats, bomber jackets, even boots, lined with shearling. Shearling is a beautifully uniformed lambskin pelt that is highly durable and very comfortable to wear during the fall and winter seasons that helps to keep you warm from the oppressive snow and even helps to keep away moisture during the rainy spring season. Because it is a lambskin pelt that has only been sheared once, the look and feel of shearling is smooth, uninterrupted. It’s a very graceful texture; and yet, highly versatile. If you’re looking for a signature shearling piece this season, check out Zegna’s stunning bomber jackets, especially the baby calf patina shearling lined bomber, which was seen worn over a pure wool workers suit and tucked under shearling lined boots. The high-definition Red Baron apparel was a true showstopper. The look was very stylistic, but with just the perfect touch of demure. So gents, whether its a Dr. Zhivago hat, a long duster coat, or shearling-lined boots, one thing is for sure: this season, staying warm in shearling goes well with anything!

Trend # 7: TUXEDO SHIRTS
Dash it all into the fray seems to be the season’s dominant fashion protocol. The displacement of the suspender, the bowtie and the tuxedo shirt from strictly formal to casual-sportswear continues to blur the restriction lines of men’s apparel. Viktor & Rolf offers a classic, yet beautiful take on the tuxedo shirt. The fashion line pairs the crisp, vibrant white shirt with a nicely tailored heather-gray pair of slacks, but offset by a camel and bone striped belt. This fall, the tux shirt transcends its old dowdiness and steps into an almost hipster-sphere of style. But of course, in keeping with fall’s knockout combo of mixing genres and infusing color, don’t feel that white is the only way to go. Dolce & Gabbana and Salvatore Ferragamo deviate from the menswear rulebook and garner their respective tuxedo shirts in thick and bold gray stripes and in a metallic midnight blue. Remember to not feel bound to combining the tuxedo shirt with tuxedo pants. Black skinny jeans or slacks provide the perfect balance of not too formal and not too sporty. Add a fitted jacket and maybe even a beanie to the mix and you’ve got a Telluride James Bond look working for you.

Trend # 8: COATS AND JACKETS
In Milan, Berlin, Los Angeles and New York, the exuberant coats and jackets that went down the runways were highlighting points of focus. Coats took center stage, muting the energy of its accompanying pieces – keeping the collections feeling animated and not bombastic. Imbued in golds, purples, and camel-suedes, Wall Street’s sense of style will grow a bit of muscle this fall. And with bomber jackets lined in fleece, officer coats rejuvenated with epaulets and asymmetrical tailoring, the season’s added bits of flair to the coats, draped over the a work shirt and pants will show a man who is confident in both his sense of style and his masculinity.

Trend # 9: MESSENGER BAGS
Leave the suitcase at home for a change and add a bit of youth to the office commute with a canvas or leather tote messenger bag. The suitcase has become arcane; the messenger bag has started to usurp it of its staple stature. Prada bags have always been popular, and naturally, they show a dual taste and refinement. For men, the popularity of Jack Spade’s messenger bags have grown exponentially in the past two years. They’re compact, tailored beautifully and come in wonderful plush colors. If you’re looking for something a bit special, check out Highway bags, located in Nolita in New York City. The leather and nylon bags of Highway have original textures, creative colors and great functionality, and compared to the other two highly marketed brands, these are quite affordable for their aesthetics and uniqueness.

Trend # 10: TARTANS & PLAIDS
Plaids and tartans are the most ubiquitous trend of the fall and since they didn’t ever really go away, its easier for men to embrace the boldness of these patterns. Plaids are a surefire antidote to the winter ennui of black and white quite possibly the most versatile tool a man can use to liven up his wardrobe. Ties and scarves have been the dominant accessories to don these patterns, but try to kill two birds with one stone and look for some plaid suspenders or even pants, as seen in the new Band of Outsiders collection, which combines red and black tartan pants with a periwinkle blue poplin collar shirt under a vest and topped off with a big muskrat hat.

Alexander Patino
Junior Editor, Men’s Style & Product Trends
http://www.fashionqanda.com
877-STYL-411

In the 1960s, it was common for a woman to wear a dress everyday. Dresses were considered a formality, representing femininity and tradition. Over time, these garments became acceptable for both casual and formal events. A dress still emanates a sense of womanliness and can be found in any color, style and fit. They flatter any age or body type.

Casual dresses are a great addition to any wardrobe. These types of garments are usually made with inexpensive fabrics, such as cotton and polyester, and require the least care. Many casual dresses are washer and dryer safe, making them the perfect choice for traveling. They are ideal for informal events, such as birthday and anniversary parties, afternoon coffee dates, or dress-down days at work.

Formal dresses, on the other hand, often require special care. Normally designed using more expensive fabrics like satin, silk, or velvet, they need to be dry cleaned. This is usually not a problem, since formal dresses are worn so infrequently, sometimes only once. These types of dresses are suitable for proms, lavish charity functions, and award ceremonies.

Sometimes it is hard to choose the proper dress when lacking details of the event. For example, a first date can be tricky. This type of occasion is usually planned by one person, which leaves the other person guessing. In this situation, it is best to choose a dress that falls somewhere in between informal and formal. No one wants to be stuck in a greasy diner sporting a pricey original or spotted at a gala wearing a cotton sundress.

Weddings fall under a category all of their own. All brides are determined to find “the perfect dress”, often turning a blind eye to the time and money involved. There are so many styles and colors of wedding dresses that it is best to enlist the help of a wedding dress consultant. They are trained to narrow down the choices, recommend styles based on body type and size, and assist brides with staying on budget.

Another consideration for choosing the right dress is season. Dress styles change with the seasons; tank and short-sleeved dresses are better suited to late spring or summer, while long-sleeves provide warmth for fall and winter. Materials also correspond with the season, making light, breathable cotton a good choice for warmer months and heavier knits, such as wool, more appropriate for the colder months.

With any occasion, it’s a good idea to consider the appropriateness of some dresses. A low-cut garment should never be worn to a wedding and a dress with an extremely short skirt will not be well-received at Grandma’s birthday.

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