Mens Fashion: Tied up on Ties!

Tips for dress shirt and tie combinations

1. Pair a geometric pattern with a more organic pattern like paisleys. Keep the checked print on the shirt smaller than the paisleys on the tie. If you are choosing to mix patterns, make sure you keep them in the same color scheme.

 

2.  Layer a larger pattern over a smaller one. No matter what the patterns are, it is always a good idea to keep this in mind. Circles are always a safe bet for a tie if you are unsure of what print will look good.

 3. Instead of layering on the typical suit coat over your dress shirt, a pull over sweater is the perfect alternative. It will still keep you warm, but its a different way of doing so.

 4. Black and white combinations are something that will never go out of style. Whether you are doing solid colors, or patterns, black and white will always look classy.

5. Keep all clothing pieces fairly neutral. Tans, whites, or greys. Then you will be able to add a tie that is bright colored. Adding a pop of color can be done with a solid colored tie, or a printed one.








* Don't forget that you can always substitute a regular tie with a bow tie!*

Thanksgiving nails!

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it's time to get in the holiday spirit. No better way to do that than with your nails! This simple yet festive tutorial is perfect for turkey day!

What you'll need to get started:

• White nail polish
• Yellow nail polish
• Red nail polish
• Light brown nail polish
• Dark brown nail polish
• Black nail polish
• Orange nail polish
• Toothpick
• Very small paint brush or nail design brush

Let's get started!

1. Start off with clean, unpolished nails.
2. Take your white nail polish, and cover all your nails with it completely. You may need to do multiple coats, depending on the brand of nail polish you are using. Let dry.
3. After they dry, you can start the turkey. The turkey is going to be on the ring finger's nail. Taking  a very small paint brush, or nail design brush, start painting the feathers on your ring finger. Alternate between the red, light brown, and yellow nail polish.
4. After you have a fan of different colored feathers on your ring finger, let it dry completely.
5. Then on the other four fingers, you can also paint on small feathers in the corners of the nails.
6. Going back to the turkey on your ring finger, take your dark brown nail polish, and fill in the center of where all of the feathers meet, to create the body of the turkey. Let dry.
7. Take your toothpick and dip it in the white nail polish. Make two dots of the turkey for eyes.
8. After that dries, take the black nail polish and make two very small dots on top of the white, to make the pupils for the turkeys eyes.
9. Lastly, take the toothpick and the orange nail polish and create a small triangle beak under the eyes.
10. After everything dries, you can take a top/clear coat if you choose, to prevent any chipping.
    

Thanksgiving Day Outfits!!!

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, now is the time to start thinking of outfit ideas for the holiday! Whether you are staying at home, going out, or spending the day at your families house, these outfit ideas will hopefully give you some inspiration for whatever you are doing on Thanksgiving.

Outfit 1: Clean and Classy:

A velvet dress is the perfect piece to start off with for this look. I love how this dress is long sleeved, and the material will for sure keep you warm all day long. This dress can be worn simply by itself because it is such a bold piece, or you can add some jewelry to it to dress it up more. Add layers of different colored and textured bracelets. Don't forget about shoes! Definitely stay with closed toed shoes since it is going to be chillier outside. Any tan, or black pumps will work just fine. 

Outfit 2 : Comfy and Casual:

For those of you who are staying at home this Thanksgiving, and you just want to be comfortable, but also be a little dressed up, this sweater is the perfect solution.Depending on how casual you want to get, you can either pair it with jeans, or even a pair of leggings. A pair of tall riding boots will be the perfect shoe. As for accessories, go for a long necklace to dress up the whole outfit.

Outfit 3 : Sweet and Sophisticated:

Another option is to wear a skirt, with tights of course. Skater skirts, and f aux leather are two really big trends right now so a f aux leather skirt is the perfect compliment of the two! The deep burgundy color of this skirt is perfect for Thanksgiving too. An off white, long sleeved, lace shirt would look great under this, as well as a pair of lace up heels to finish off the look.

Renovate your old sweaters!

Now that the fall and winter seasons are in full swing, means it's time to break out the sweaters and cardigans! Looking at the ones you have, you may realize that they are old, and outdated, or that you just really want some new sweaters. Instead of going out and spending a lot of money on buying brand new sweaters, here's an easy and inexpensive way to renovate your old cardigans and sweaters so they look like they are brand new. Here's what you need to get started.

What you will need:

• old sweater
• studs of your choice
• flat hard surface of some sort (like a butter knife)

Steps:

1. Start off with your old sweater that you want to renovate, and lay it on a flat surface.
2. Open your studs (they may be any color, any shape, and any size)
3. Lay the studs in any pattern that you desire, wherever you want, on the sweater.
4. After you have the pattern layer out, and you know you have enough, begin attaching them to your sweater.
5. Push the stud through the sweater so the spikes on the back side of the stud is sticking through the sweater.
6. Take your butter knife, or whatever other hard flat surface you have, and use it to push down the spikes, so the stud is now firmly attached to the sweater.
7. Continue this process until all studs are attached.

It's as easy as that! No big mess, and it hardly takes any time at all. People won't even be able to tell that these were your old sweaters!

*Feel free to use a variety of studs! different shaped and sized studs all clustered together would definitely turn a boring old sweater into a one-of-a-kind sweater people will for sure be asking you about.*

Here are some ideas of where to put the studs:

• shoulder

• pocket

• sleeve

• collar
  

The perfect fall outfit, under $50!!!!

Only have $50 to spend on an outfit? Well I've got you covered. With the $50 you can get everything from the skirt, to the shoes, and even the accessories. This outfit is perfect for a girly girl who likes to dress up a little bit, but still look casual and feel comfortable. These pieces are also staple pieces, so you are more than likely to get more use out of them than just wearing them once. You might even have some of these pieces in your closet already, which would save you more money. If you are going to purchase these items, the perfect store to do so is at Forever 21. They have very inexpensive clothes and accessories that are perfect for this time of the year.

* This skater skirt is absolutely adorable with its floral pattern, and flow-y material. It rings in at only $6.80.

* Since the skater skirt is made to cinch around you're waist, a cropped sweater will be the perfect complement to this. This bright colored on goes great with the skirt, and brings out the little bit of red in the flowers. You can get this sweater for only $9.80.

* Now for the shoes, you can go in many different directions. You could wear, boots, flats, sneakers, or even heels. I personally like the look of dressing down a skirt, so I would go with a pair of sneakers. They will also be comfortable if you are on the move all day. These adorable shoes are only $16.80.

 * As for jewelry I would recommend wearing a lot of rings, and a few bracelets. These rings are only $3.80. You want to keep with the same color scheme, so since these are gold rings, if you have any other gold rings, add them to your look as well.

* As for the bracelets, you want to wear gold, so these are $7.80, but you get a whole set.

After ringing up all of these items for the perfect fall outfit, we come in with a total of $45. Leaving us with $5 to spare.

Glam up your winter headbands!

Have any plain winter headbands laying around? I know I do, and in almost every color too. But they are all very simple, and boring. Well not anymore. Here is a quick and easy way to glam up your winter headbands so you can stay fashionable all winter long. Here's what you'll need to get started....

What you will need:

• plain winter headband
• patterned fabric
• ribbon of your choice
• fabric glue
• scissors 

Steps:

1. Start out with a regular, (preferably knit) winter headband, and lay it flat on a table.
2. Take your printed fabric and lay that out completely flat as well.
3. Using the scissors, cut out a piece of your fabric that is approximately 12 inches by 6 inches.
4. After cutting this out, take the piece and fold it in half so you now have a 6 inch by 3 inch rectangle of fabric.
5. Glue the fabric together so the pattern is on both sides of the rectangle.
6. Now place your rectangle of fabric, and place it directly on top of your winter headband.
7. Using the scissors, cut a piece of the ribbon of your choice, big enough to go around the winter headband and piece of fabric so approximately 2 to 3 inches.
8. Wrap the ribbon around the center of the fabric that is placed on the winter headband, and pull it tight, so it looks like a bow.
9. Using the fabric glue, glue the ends of the ribbon together on the inside of the winter headband so the ends of the ribbon aren't visible.
10.  If the corners of your bow are sticking up, or falling down, you can add a dab of glue to the corners of the fabric, and stick it to the headband to make sure the bow is completely secure.
11. Let dry, and you're finished! Now you can still be fashionable, even when it is freezing outside.

This one is from a store, but here is an idea of what the finished product should look like. Sure you could buy one from a store, but making them yourself allow you to be creative and show your own personal style.

Wear the same dress all year long!

Think you have nothing to wear so you need to go shopping for new clothes? Think again! Here are easy ways to wear the same dress, but make it look completely different every time you wear it! Dresses aren't just for the summer! These ideas will help you wear the same dress, all year long. So all you will need is a classic, plain dress to start you off with, as well as some accessories.

Outfit 1 (Fall):
This plain black dress is the perfect piece of clothing to dress up or down, depending on the look you are going for.

This sweet street bomber jacket with lace-y sleeves on top of this dress will be perfect for the fall months.

Since this outfit is inspired by the fall months, adding a pair of tights will keep with the fall fashion.

Shoes can make or break an outfit. Short booties are something that can always work in the fall.

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Outfit 2 (Winter):
Again, you are going to be using the same black dress as your starting point, or the piece you base the rest of your outfit off of.













Layers will be your best friend when it comes to the winter months. Start out layering this cloud wash denim shirt on top of your dress. By leaving it open, it allows some of the top of your dress to show through. If you button up the shirt, it will give the illusion that you are wearing a skirt, which is another option.













Next layer on a cardigan or button up sweater. Again, leaving this open will allow all layers to show through as well as the various textures in your clothing.














A scarf is another way to add warmth, and another layer but in a fashionable way.

Slip on a classic pair of black tights, some leg warmers, and a pair of your favorite boots to complete this winter outfit.

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Outfit 3 (Spring):
We will be using the same black dress as before, but this time, we will be giving it a Spring twist.

Blazers and bold colors are two things that work perfectly for the Spring time.

Wedges are my go to shoe in the Spring. They can easily be dressed up, or down.

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Outfit 4 (Summer):
Again we are using the same plain black dress as our blank canvas to go off of for our Summer outfit.

Since the Summer months are warmer than the rest, I wouldn't recommend layering clothing pieces because you will get too warm. As an alternative, look for a fashionable belt that can be put around your waist.

Adding jewelry, whether it is a necklace, earrings, or bracelets are a great way to play up this summer dress.

Gladiator sandals are a must for the Summer! These have a little bit of sparkle and shine to brighten up this look.

Out to dinner outfit

Going out to dinner and need to dress up a bit? This outfit is perfect for a girly girl who also has an edgy side to her. You don't have to exactly duplicate this outfit by going out and buying these pieces though. Improvise by looking through what you already have! You most likely have some of these pieces in your closet, since they are some basic staple articles of clothing.

1. Start with a simple cut dress. This jersey style dress is from H&M, and is $24.95. Any simple dress will do though. I tend to lean more towards knee length dresses, but if you have a maxi dress that you have been wanting to wear, then go for it! I also recommend going with a bold color. Since the rest of the outfit is going to be dull, neutral colors, a pop of color somewhere in the outfit will keep it fun and girly.

2. Throw on a jacket over the dress. Especially if your dinner is at night, or during a cooler month. This High Voltage Moto Jacket is from Forever 21, and is $39.80. Pairing the girly, flowy dress with this faux leather jacket with silver studs definitely adds an edgy feel to the outfit, but still keeps the outfit classic enough to go out to dinner. If you don't have a jacket like this, any nice, neutral colored jacket will do. If you aren't wearing a jacket because it is warm out, I would add a big necklace on top of the dress as a way to dress it up and accessorize. If you're going to be wearing a jacket the whole night, wearing a big necklace would make the outfit too busy looking.

3. Slip on a classic pair of black tights, weather permitting. They will add a layer of warmth as well as another way to dress up your outfit. Plain black tights can almost be found in any clothing store, and for a cheap price too.

4. Now to shoes, my favorite part! There are so many ways you could go with shoes, but if you are looking to dress up a bit, definitely go for a pair of heels. If you can't, or don't want to wear heels, flats are a good option. These heels are from Forever 21 and are $36.80.

DIY Minnie Mouse Costume

What you need for the ears:

• Headband
• Black felt
• Tissue paper
• Hot glue gun
• Scissors
• White marker or chalk
• Red polka-dot ribbon

How to make the ears:

1. Go online and print out a stencil for minnie mouse ears and cut it out.
2. Put it on the black felt and trace it with the white marker. Repeat this twice so you have two ears.
3. Cut out both ears.
4. Put one ear off centered on the headband.
5. Put some hot glue on the middle of the black felt circle and place a small crumbled piece of tissue paper on it.
6. Line the outside of the ear with hot glue and fold the other side of the ear over to glue over the tissue paper to meet up with the glue you just applied.
7. Repeat this process with the other ear, on the other side of the headband.
8. Take your red ribbon, and tie it in a bow
9. Glue it on top of the headband and in between the ears.

What you need for the shoes:

• Loose yellow glitter
• Mod Podge
• Masking tape
• Big bowl
• Little bowl
• Paint brush
• Shoes (heals, flats, sneakers, etc.)
• Clear sealant (optional)

How to make the shoes:

1. Lay down some cardboard or newspaper first to catch any loose glitter that falls
2. Using the masking tape, start sectioning off the bottom of your shoes and cover it with masking tape so no glitter can stick to it.
3. Taking the little bowl, pour in some Mod Podge and a generous amount of the yellow glitter as well.
4. Mix it up with your brush until it is evenly mixed.
5. Paint this onto your shoe in small sections.
6. Pour the yellow glitter over this section and then shake off any extra glitter into the big bowl.
7. Continue with this process until your entire shoe is covered. Then do the same on your other shoe.
8. Remove the masking tape.
9. Spray your shoes with the clear sealant to make sure all of the glitter stays on your shoes all night long.

Put it all together!

Wear anything black, white, or red with polka dots, and it will work for this costume. Put on your home made ears, and shoes with any polka-dot outfit. Don't forget to make a black eye liner and draw on a small mouse nose on the tip of your nose to finish off this costume!

DIY Dorothy Costume

What you need for the dress:

• Blue and white checkered fabric
•  Scissors
•   Elastic
• Safety pin
• Fabric glue

Steps to make skirt:

1.  Lie out your fabric on a flat surface, and taking your fabric glue, draw a line of glue about 5 inches above the end of the fabric. Extend this line of glue from one end of the fabric to the other.
2.  Fold the end of the fabric so it meets up with the glue that is already placed on the fabric. Make sure you leave a pocket open so you can slide the elastic through it.
3. Fold your fabric in half making sure the part you just glued is on the outside.
4. Taking the two open ends of fabric, glue them together using the fabric glue.
5. Take your elastic that is long enough to go around your waist, attach the safety pin to the end of it. Then feed the elastic through the pocket you first created.
6. Once the elastic is the entire way through, bunch up the fabric until it is a good size for you. Cut off any access elastic and safety pin the ends together.
7.  Pull the extra fabric over the safety pin and glue down the fabric so you can no longer see the safety pin.
8. Flip your skirt inside out so it is now wearable. If you want your skirt shorter, cut it and glue the end of the fabric up to create a hem.

Steps to make top of dress:

1.  Fold your fabric in half and cut out a rectangular shape big enough to cover your torso and chest area.
2. Open up your fabric and hem all four sides using your fabric glue.
3. Fold it back over to create the rectangle again and this time glue it together so it stays in the rectangular shape.
4. Take some more fabric and cut two strips of it to be the straps of your dress.
5.  Attach the strips on the shorter side of the rectangle to make your straps.

Put it all together!

You’ll need to wear some sort of white tee shirt underneath this. Then put on the top piece, and secure the straps around your head. Then pull on your skirt, and tuck the top piece into the skirt. Pin the two pieces together if you feel necessary but make sure it’s on the inside so you cant see the pins.

What you need for the shoes:

• Loose red glitter
• Mod Podge
• Masking tape
• Big bowl
• Little bowl
• Paint brush
• Shoes (heals, flats, sneakers, etc.)
• Clear sealant (optional)

Steps to make shoes:

1. Lay down some cardboard or newspaper first to catch any loose glitter that falls
2. Using the masking tape, start sectioning off the bottom of your shoes and cover it with masking tape so no glitter can stick to it.
3. Taking the little bowl, pour in some Mod Podge and a generous amount of the red glitter as well.
4. Mix it up with your brush until it is evenly mixed.
5. Paint this onto your shoe in small sections.
6. Pour the red glitter over this section and then shake off any extra glitter into the big bowl.
7. Continue with this process until your entire shoe is covered. Then do the same on your other shoe.
8. Remove the masking tape.
9. Spray your shoes with the clear sealant to make sure all of the glitter stays on your shoes all night long.