Understanding Men in Relationships and Why Men Are From Mars

Do you have trouble understanding men that you date? Can't figure out why men seem distant and non-committal sometimes? You find that communicating with men is almost impossible sometimes, right? I'm sure you think that all men are from mars, too. Well, as a man myself, I can attest that we can be nuts, hard to figure out, and yes... surprise, maybe even a little afraid of making a commitment with a woman.

It doesn't have to be so difficult, and there are approaches you can take with your man to fully understand where he's coming from and how to make him more committed to you. One of the main reasons that you have such a hard time understanding men is the way that you communicate with each other.

Let's consider this situation. You date a guy for a while and things are going great. You feel a connection with him, and you think that he feels the same way. You want to start bombarding him with your feelings about how crazy you are about him and how you want to become more committed to each other. The only problem is that you fear that this will scare him away. To be honest, you're right. It very well could scare him away (if you do it wrong).

The fact is, the way you communicate with the man in your life is what will make or break your relationship. Learning to communicate with him in the right manner is vitally important if you want to have a successful, loving, and long lasting relationship.

I know it can be frustrating to try to understand why men change the way we act toward you as our relationship develops. At first, it seems that we are crazy about you. We're giving you tons of attention, buying you flowers, taking you on great dates, and calling you every day. Then as time goes on, we start to seem less interested, maybe becoming a little distant. We no longer surprise you with gifts. You think we might even be cheating on you. You don't understand what has happened between us and eventually your frustration builds up to the point where you blow up at us and let it all out.

It might be a big fight, or you are very emotional and crying, or complaining about the relationship. Whatever it may be, this comes off to the man as "too much drama", and can possibly make things even worse and make a man more distant. We might think that you are an emotional wreck or "have issues" or something similar.

I understand that you have legitimate reasons to be angry and emotional, and realize that it's not fair for men to think this way, but you have to realize that this is simply the way a man's mind works.

So how do you avoid these issues in a relationship, communicate better with men, and create a long-lasting fulfilling relationship? Well, there are hundreds of aspects we can talk about, but let's start with something very basic.

You need to understand exactly what's going on inside a man's mind. I'll be honest with you. Men have no clue what your expectations are of us and our relationship. You need to communicate with us as time goes on exactly what you want out of our relationship. Otherwise, most guys will never bring up this topic, so it's up to you. I know it sounds scary, but it's best to get it out in the open. If you don't, the man could string you along for months or years, and not really be serious about a committed relationship or marriage.

We'll expand on this discussion later, but hopefully you can take some steps for understanding men better and learning why men are from mars and how to create a more successful and loving relationship.

To discover the top 10 mistakes that most women make with men and how to avoid them for more successful relationships and long lasting love, go to Understanding Men in Relationships and Why Men are From Mars.

 

 

The Summer's Coolest Cocktails And Swimsuits

When the temperature is at its all-time high, you can actually see the asphalt creating sizzling metropolis mirages in the street and next door neighbors stripping down to the minimum. Summer creates such hysteria that you, yourself, would want to take off all your clothes, sit by the back yard pool or hit the nearest beach in your bathing suit, and catch up on some reading while you tank up on your favorite cold slosh drink. And if you haven't done anything remotely like it lately, I seriously suggest you indulge in a little summer fun before the season's over. If you've got a spanking new swimsuit and you can't wait to show off the body you've worked hard to look good for months, it would also make a lot of sense if you indulge in a little alcohol while you're at it. I say "little" because in this case less is more. Excessive alcohol consumption wouldn't do you any good at the beach. Trust me, you wouldn't want to join A.A. or have your mugshot taken for D.U.I. (Drowning Under The Influence) this early in the game.

Getting uneven tan lines come to a close second to getting insanely hammered. Thanks to recent swim wear technology, you could opt for getting a complete tan without the crazy, and often times misleading, lines. Tan-through Swimwear has created a wide selection of beach wear including shirts, shorts, bikinis, trunks, one-piece suits for both men and women. The Cooltan collection is available for your viewing and buying pleasure at www.tanthrough.com. This way everybody could enjoy the sun without worrying about tan lines and all you get is a soft, sun-kissed look all over. They're unbelievably comfortable and durable, even for wild white-water activities. So allow me to reintroduce this season's coolest buzzing thirst quenchers and their hottest Tan-through bathing suit contemporaries. Sip and swim -- that's all there is to it.

The first summer drink on the list that everyone has to taste at least once in their life is the Bikini Martini. Just by its name you know it's the perfect cocktail for the season. This cocktail's vibrant blue color and zesty transparency almost mocks the sea's inviting waters. Made up of gin, blue Curacao, fresh lime juice, peach schnapps, lemon zest, and a dash of sweetener, this cocktail is sure to become a warm weather hit for you and your friends. Swagger by the poolside in an equally breezy swimsuit like the Blue Aztec one-piece tank suit. This cool and sassy number has sultry high cut sides and a moderately low-cut back which gives adequate support and fashions inimitable style. It's yours for a penny ante price of only $67.95. Put that $10 savings to good use and tip the waiter who'll bring you your true blue Bikini Martini.

The next cocktail to consider in the summertime is the Red Army. Make love and not war with this alluringly refreshing alcoholic beverage. The delightful mix of Triple Sec, raspberry flavored vodka, raspberry liqueur, lime juice, syrup, and fresh raspberries will make you anticipate your next glass. Mixing fruit with spirits could only uplift yours. It's not as easy to prepare like the Bikini Martini, but that's what bartenders are for. Make special requests for a taller glass, plenty of crushed ice, and an extra raspberry or two, and you might as well be having drinks in summer heaven. This red concoction will definitely look like a lovely deliquescent accessory next to the Tan-through Red Sea String Bikini. For only $64.90 you can lie under the sun in a bright and bold pseudo-solid red triangle top and string bikini bottom as if you had nothing on at all. You don't have to part the Red Sea to get both of these devilish summer must-haves.

Even though it isn't dark and you're not in a smoke-filled bar downtown, it doesn't mean you can't enjoy a light and cool summer cocktail in the sun. During a hot day, refreshments and swim wear seem like a logical combination. So all you really need for the perfect cocktail and swimsuit pair is a splash of color, a few zingy spirits, and a whole lot of ice.

For more valuable information on bikini and swim wear, please visit http://www.microbikini.com

 

Japanese Developing Sex Robots

What propels human innovation? Well, we know where the funding comes from. We know that funding comes when a Return on Investment is available. What do people spend money on? Well, think of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. People want to maintain self preservation, so you will find the greatest technological money flows in those things, which protect the sanctity of life; things such as Health Care and Medical advances, security and military. People also wish respect from their fellow man. They want to look good; thus you will find consumer items such as make-up, clothing, sports cars, etc. Humans also want companionship and entertainment and so we see advances in movie special effects, computer games and now the Japanese are developing human female robots. Today they advertise them as maids, receptionists and servers. But in the true spirit of Kama Sutra, you can bet that those Japanese robotic engineers will soon be designing Blonde Hair Blue Eyed sex robots to serve their will.

These Japanese scientists have unveiled the most human-looking robot to date, well at least in the public domain. Secret research is being done now which looks towards the future to build robots so real they will fool humans, in other words they maybe sitting next to you and you would never even know it. The Japanese scientists call their new robot android Repliee Q1 Expo. She flutters her eyelids in normal human increments, looks like she is breathing and moves her hands just like a human would. This robot has over 42 actuators. But indeed, this is merely the first step in human type robotics.

We all know that the Internet is used most in recreational use for surfing websites, such as pornography, chat, online dating and personal communications of the sort. It should be obvious that the near future of robotic androids will be used for sexual pleasure. Isaac Asimov and others have cited this as the most probable use. Not only have science fiction authors put these futuristic predicts forth but Hollywood has as well in several movies such as “A.I. Artificial Intelligence.”

Using tactile sensors and the latest Haptics research the Japanese scientists are well on their way to the development of their next marketable technology. The Repliee Q1 Expo has 42 actuators, but some of the MIT robots, will mimic the human nerves in the hand already have 250 sensors. New skin technologies will allow the robots to have real human skin grown in petri dishes and these might also be incorporated in the sexual revolution of robots. Want to learn more about Repliee Q1 Expo;

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/4714135.stm

Lance Winslow - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

 

How To Find An Ideal Beach To Wear Your New Bikini On

Whether in South Dakota or Florida, few will disagree that a vacation to the beach is always a good idea, filled with beauty, relaxation, and fun. But with so many beaches scattered throughout the world, how do you ever decide on which one you should visit? Ranging from white sandy beaches, to rocky beaches, there's sure to be a beach perfect to suit your desires, and with a little research you're sure to find it.

Ideal for swimming and snorkeling because of its clear water and sandy beach, the Polo Beach of Hawaii is a well-loved beach to visit. It has a hot-spot location, South Maui and is it fronted by the luxury beach vacation resort of Fairmont Kea Lani Maui, certain to ensure a delightful stay.

If you would like to walk down the longest stretch of white sand in Jamaica, the Seven Mile Beach of Negril may be what you're looking for. It is on the western tip of Jamaica, near Negril. It is beautiful and perfect for relaxing, as there are coconut palm trees, caves, and seven miles for other visitors to stretch over. So find a good spot under a coconut palm tree and relax.

Tropical paradise is more reachable than you may think. Atlantis Paradise in the Bahamas is known for its tropical climate, making for long romantic walks on the white sandy beaches of the Caribbean. This beach is perfect for beach lovers.

Scuba divers may be drawn to the Great Barrier Reef in the Heron Island beaches in Austria. With over 20 different diving sites, you're sure to witness amazing marine life and simply drift away as you immerse yourself in this surreal water world.

For a break from the soft white sand, consider Reid's Palace Hotel in Madeira. Reid's Palace Hotel has a rocky beach, with sharp, black rocks. While the rocks may be hard, the weather is generally soft and pleasant. If you don't enjoy the rocks, but enjoy the weather, the hotel offers a swimming pool. Simply hang out there and look at all the beautiful sites around you.

Well-known and loved by celebrities, locals, and visitors alike, are the luxuries of Miami beach. Miami offers several restaurants, a string of different parties at local nightclubs, and plenty of sandy beaches. The Tides is a luxurious hotel with an amazing view, and is often stayed at, and recommended by, vacationers.

Relax in Negril. Scuba dive in Austria. Party in Miami. Whether you're looking to snorkel, swim, enjoy the scenery, party, or relax there is a beach perfectly fitted to attend to your intent, and with a little bit of research, you are bound to find it.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as Sexy Women's Swimwear at http://www.swimwearandapparel.com

 

Why Short Hair Cuts Are Sexy!

Now, First of all, What is Hair Made of?
Hair is composed primarily of proteins (88%). These proteins are of a hard fibrous type known as keratin. Keratin protein is comprised of what we call "polypeptide chains.” The word, polypeptide, comes from the Greek word "poly" meaning many and "peptos" meaning digested or broken down. In essence, if we break down protein, we have individual amino acids.

Many amino acids joined together form a "polypeptide chain". Two amino acids are joined together by a "peptide bond", and the correct number of amino acids placed in their correct order will form a specific protein; i.e. keratin, insulin, collagen and so on.

Short Hair Cuts! Sexy Styles!
Short hair cuts reflect self-assurance, readiness to take new challenges! That is a definite turn on. Nobody wants to be the demure, boring and conservative type of gal! We want to be viewed as an individual who rises to the challenges of today’s society! And a sexy short cut says it all! Short hair shows you are cool, confident, in control, and too busy to spend hours fussing with your hair, because… there is so many more important things in life which we should be spending our time on!

Bobs are always a short hair style always in high hair fashion and can be custom cut and colored to enhance any type, texture or length of hair.

The right bob style, like a beveled bob, can also work with any face shape. Adjustments can be made to the fringe or bang area, length and layers to play up some features and minimize others.

Keeping Hair Moisturized
Hair normally has a moisture content of approximately 10%. If your hair’s moisture content drops below this level the key is to increase the hair’s ability of attract and retain moisture. This is accomplished by using moisturizers. Good one have "humectants" that not only replace lost moisture but actually attract moisture and retain it in the cortex of the hair. Essential fatty aids (EFA’s) are great moisturizers.

Regardless if you are growing out your layers between hair cuts or growing them out to one length on a more permanent basis, create texture in your tresses to instantly blend the layers into the rest of your style.

So, what are you waiting for? We urge you to find out more about the various sexy short hair styles and get one today! But before you go running off for your short crops, do find out more about what TYPE of short hair styles fits your fact features! Come and find out more! Find the style that suits your perfectly!

Guide to Choosing A Fashion Design School

A successful future in the fashion design industry depends on right choice of school to attend. Although fashion design is not one of the more popular careers to pursue, if your talents lie in this field, there is ample opportunity awaiting you. However, the first thing to hurdle is your choice of school.

When choosing a fashion design school, consider the following factors.

Area of Focus

Look into the nature of the school. Is it solely a fashion design school or does it offer other courses. Is this school well-known for its emphasis on fashion design?

Fashion design schools are few and far between. This makes it harder to choose one that fits your bill. Your first task will be to find a reputable school that will aid you in your training.

Also, look into whether the school participates in any fashion design competition or has accomplished anything of reknown in the industry. This is a sure sign of their commitment to the fashion arts its education among students.

Different schools have different strengths, find a school that plays to your strengths and has specialization in the field of your choice.

For example, you might choose a very well-know fashion design school only to find out that they specialize in childrens’ clothing, while the field of your choice is adult formal wear. This could diffuse your interests, and dull your specialization.

Make sure you know what field the school you are scouting focuses on. This will help you specialize in that area too.

Alumni and Job Placements

Does the college offer job placement assistance? And has the alumni from this school gone on to be successful professionals? Always learn from other’s previous experience. If you see that those that had gone through this school before you received proper training and are successful in their field, that is an indication of a good school.

Most of these reputable schools have numerous connections in the graphic arts industry. They usually offer job placement services. You may want to consider this when choosing a school.

It would do no harm to start looking at the educational background of your admired fashion designer. Checking out the schools they came from will give an idea of the sort of training these artists went through. From here, you may make decisions as to whether you would like to choose the same school as they did.

Curriculum

You must assess whether the curriculum is relevant to you field of study. You may want to compare the curricula of different schools to see which offers the best form of education.

It would also be wise to check the quality of the teaching staff at that school. Having established artists who teach at a fashion design school is also an indication of a good training program.

Student to Teacher Ratio

Ask yourself: how big are the classes and how many teachers and classes are available at this school before you choose it. The more the students the lesser the efficacy of the teacher. However, if there are too few students per teacher, that could tell of a different problem – that of quality. If this is the case, it may be that the school is not popular or is suffering from anemic academic performance.

Accreditation

Accreditation means the school has passed a certain standards of educational quality. Accreditation is performed by the U.S. Department of Education. Fashion design schools must be accredited to prove their level of competence.

Check with the State Postsecondary School Licensing Bureau to see if the college you are investigating is accredited. Also, check National Approval and Accreditation for this concern.

Cost

Some people may proclaim that to obtain their education, they would spare no coin. Unfortunately, it also pays to be practical in your choice of fashion design school. If the school you choose has a tuition rate that is beyond your financial capability, you might find yourself working unable to pursue your studies consistently due to the financial stress which may lead you to look for part-time work.

Scholarships

You might want to consider whether the design school you are looking at offers any scholarships. You also might want to know the terms to them too. Some schools offer scholarships based on academic performance. Some offer them based on fashion design competitions they hold regularly.

Your choice of school is an investment that will last you a lifetime. Proper care and investigation in choosing such is truly important. When you are comfortable with your choice of fashion design schools, you can now chart your path towards a successful career.

For more great fashion design school info and advice check out: http://www.topdesignschools.com

 

The Hip Hop Fashion Business

Beginning in the 1970s Hip Hop fashion has gone from a fringe interest group to one of the faster moving fashion trends in the United States. The greatest concentration of such fashions tends to be along the coasts and in the south. Hip Hop fashion is claimed to have begun in the African American community but has spread quickly into being a truly universal style for people of all ethnicities and sexes and a lynch pin of Hip Hop culture.

Generally Hip Hop clothing is broken into classic styles and modern styles. The former is defined as styles from the seventies and eighties and the later the very late eighties, nineties and after the year two thousand.

Classic Hip Hop includes large glasses, multi-finger rings, gold necklaces, and Adidas shell toes with oversized laces. Hair styles took on a very strong African American influence, many people choosing jheri curls, chains and dreadlocks. Red-black-and-green became common color pallets, made famous by several prominent actors and actresses. This time period was one of establishing Hip Hop as a movement and a very distinctive culture and modern Hip Hop clothing and culture owes its popularity to these 1980s roots.

The more modern style taken in by Hip Hop has much been effected by rap artists who made popular the wearing of brighter colors, often in neon, and wearing usual clothing items in unusual ways. Baseball hats at various angles and clothing worn backwards are good examples of this. As styles closed in on the year 2000 Hip Hop clothing took on an influence from thugs and inmates, larger clothing, belt less pants and military accents became a prime point of recognition of Hip Hop style. Other marks of this change of trend were flannel over shirts and gold teeth, or at least gold fixtures placed over one's real dental pallet.

Currently there are many places where Hip Hop clothing can be acquired. Some of the simplest pieces may come from the corner thrift shop or flea market, but as the Hip Hop style has progressed in complexity and popularity it has been picked up by many big markets, charging a big dollar for what they provide.

Many advantages and disadvantages exist when it comes to working with an online sales site. Very often you have access to a much broader base of merchandise, and the ability for bulk ordering allows the prices to be kept very reasonable even after adding the extra charges for shipping and handling.

The biggest drawback to such sites is that you, as the customer, are unable to see or handle your merchandise before you purchase it. This is particularly of concern when the merchandise in question is something that requires sizing, such as the clothing lines that have been spoken about here. Fortunately many Hip Hop styles are fitted oversized, which addresses many of the sizing concerns, but make sure that any place you are purchasing such items through also has a good returns policy if something arrives damaged or does not fit.

No matter whether you prefer the early Hip Hop clothing or more modern choices there are many options for getting the clothing pieces you want. One thing, however, is for sure. Hip Hop is here to stay.

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Men's Fashion Tips: The Less Common Types of Suits to Try

Buying mens suits can also break from the basics if you choose to be different and dare to stand out from the usual. Here are some suits I would definitely recommend for a refreshing touch: Windowpane Suits

The windowpane suits are an obviously understated in mens fashion. It gives an extremely stylish and dressy effect that differentiates greatly from the usual stripe suits.

Instead of a squarish windowpane, you can settle for a rectangular formation that provides an elongating effect for a men’s body as well. Windowpane suits also allow harmonious combinations with more patterns than the usual plaid suits.

Windowpanes are very suitable for spring time. Instead of going for a pronounced thick windowpane pattern, you can try one a charcoal gray fabric with subtle violet chalk windowpane rectangular in shape. Or alternatively a light gray suit with pastel blue windowpane rectangular pattern.

Brown Suits A color avoided by many men and deemed as not worth a timepiece suit. However, I beg to differ as this color gives an earthly tone and also a down-to-earth feel. It deviates from the predictable “safe” colors like gray and navy where we should have become overdosed with by now.

Brown suits can be easily matched with earth tones from yellow to gold to tan colors. Depending on the tone of your brown, combination with maroon, cream, or even navy blue is also possible.

Read More at Men's Suits

Copyright 2006, Leroy Fong and Mens-Fashion-Tips.com

 

Teen Jewelry Fashion Exposed

Teenagers are a fickle bunch. At that stage of physical and psychological growth, they are constantly experimenting with things to improve their image and their look. Teen jewelry fashion plays a major part in the development of their identity and efforts to either blend in with the crowd or establish their own unique persona. Any parental endorsement of fashion accessories is akin to the kiss of death, and adolescents look to other influences when it comes to teen jewelry fashion.

The celebrities that teenagers see in music videos, television programs or movie screens are largely responsible for dictating trends in teen jewelry fashion. The oversized, ostentatious accoutrements favored by rap musicians have spawned the hip-hop jewelry trend, and teenagers have been patronizing lower-priced but accurate replicas of celebrity bling bling. Instead of the diamonds and other precious gems used in celebrity jewelry, cheaper zirconia and base metals are used for duplicates. Body jewelry (both the pierced and non-pierced types) that is unusually designed and made with inexpensive materials has also seen an increase in teenage patrons.

Beaded jewelry and woven friendship bracelets and rings are some of the other hot trends in teen jewelry fashion. Many teenagers make these dress accessories themselves and give them to friends as gifts. These are personalized with beads that have the letters of the recipient’s name on them are incorporated into the woven fibers. Many teenagers also wear certain types of jewelry to identify them as part of a clique or group. These may take the form of uniquely designed pendants, rings or charms that have spiritual or mystical overtones.

Feminine teen jewelry fashion styles are also influenced largely by young celebrities today. Items worn by teen stars, such as Hilary Duff’s slave bracelets, are copied by her non-celebrity counterparts. However, whimsical designs are still hugely popular among this set of young consumers. Gold- or silver-plated jewelry and jewelry that has gemstones has not lost its following among teenagers.

Some masculine teen jewelry fashion trends, on the other hand, tend to lean more toward beadwork, silverwork, leatherwork, and unusual stones. Teenage guys seem to think that sporty-looking accessories, such as so-called surfer-dude necklaces and arm bands made from bone, wood, or shell beads on a rubber or leather cord are cool. Stainless steel jewelry is popular with them, too.

Jewelry has been used by all people throughout history as marks of beauty or to denote social status. Adolescents are not immune to these patterns; in fact they are probably even more susceptible to them because of their need to simultaneously conform and stand out. Teenage jewelry fashion is part of their social arsenal and a tool in the development process.

Sam Serio is an Internet Marketer, musician and a writer on the subject of jewelry and gemstones. For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit http://www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of “How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off.” This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at http://www.morninglightjewelry.com

 

Fashion Bikinis

One would definitely want to dazzle the vast crowd on the beach in a striking and attractive bikini.

The raging trends of bikinis now available are mostly inspired from movies. Most of the bikinis come in prints of stripes, floral or patterns of checks. The colors are mostly black but colors like blue, white and purples are in vogue too. The embellishments include smocks, laces, stones, beads, crystals and sometimes embroidery.

Bikinis now with their steady development in its varied styles are much in fashion today. Bikinis can be termed as the father of fashion swimwear. They become skimpier as days go by. They are styled in such a way to enhance the curves. An interesting innovation of the bikini is the tankini. It is more of a bikini that has a sporty style to it. A tankini has a longer bikini top thereby only exposing a little of the tummy. Another variation of the bikini is the bandini, which has a strip of straight cloth for the top. A bikini with a top in the form o f a camisole is called a camikini. Another deviation from the regular bikini is the maillot, which is of one piece. They are one shouldered and are halter necked.

With the wide variety in the styles of the bikini one can dazzle the crowd in a sizzling style that one desires. Some of the eye-catching styles would be a bikini with aqua prints. For a softer and sober look go in for bikinis in pastel shades and for a fun loving look choose tropical prints with details either in beads or stones. For a hot look go in for bikinis in a fiery red color or velvet bikinis with details on them. For a bolder look bikinis in bold stripes and checks or loud patterns. One can even get the bikini bottoms hold together with beads, laces, strings, bows or rings. Bikinis of lace are available with strings that can be adjusted to fit better. Such a bikini is ideal for a full-figured woman.

Animal printed bikinis can turn everyone’s eye toward you.

It is hard to believe the vast number of things one can do with so little cloth to bring out the glory in a woman’s body. Whether one wants to sizzle or if one wants to stay plain there are fashion bikinis to enhance the feminine beauty.

Bikinis provides detailed information on Bikinis, Designer Bikinis, Maternity Bikinis, Fashion Bikinis and more. Bikinis is affiliated with Nursing Bras.

 

Beach Shoes - Coming into Fashion

It used to be that when people heard the term “beach shoes”, they thought of those rubber sandals commonly known as “thongs” or “flip-flops”. Beach shoes were not part of the fashion world; they were just something that you wore on your feet when you went to the beach so that they didn’t get hot. Beach shoes, however, have come a long way, and now there are several different styles from several different manufacturers that are stylish and trendy, but still very useful.

Of course, the rubber flip-flops are still around, and people still wear them, but in this ever-increasingly fashion-conscious world, people are worrying as much about what they wear on their feet to the beach as what they wear on their bodies. And beach shoes aren’t necessarily just for the beach anymore. They are a fashion accessory that can help give you that laid-back “beachy” look, even if you never step foot on the sand.

Flip-flops come in all different types of styles and materials now. There are leather ones that look good on the beach and also look good with casual wear, such as sun dresses for women or Bermuda shorts and polo shirts for men. They also come in materials such as bamboo soles and velvet straps, suede straps and rubbers soles with built-in massaging foot pads, or they can even be made completely out of unusual materials such as hemp or layered denim.

Beach shoes don’t have to be flip-flop styles either; they can be regular sandals that are fashioned to be easily worn and comfortable while walking on the sand, or they can be actual tennis shoes that are designed for running or walking on the sand. Generally, tennis shoe-style beach shoes have a pronounced arch to compensate for the softness of sand, and soft comfortable material to cover the foot for maximum comfort and “breathe-ability”. Jogging on the beach is a popular pastime for those who are lucky enough to live close to the ocean shore, and shoe manufacturers finally started realizing that there was a market for good jogging shoes that were more comfortable for this activity.

The bottom line is that you can make as much of a fashion statement with your beach shoes as you can with any of the other items in your wardrobe. If you live near the beach you should be able to find several shops that sell fashionable beach shoes, but if you live in an area that is nowhere near the beach, such as in the Midwest, you can probably find the best beach shoes by visiting web sites that sell beach clothing or beach shoes in particular.

John Gibb is the owner of beach shoes resources

 

Men's Fashion Tips: Breaking from the Traditional Tuxedo Style

This an interesting question on formal dressing involving tuxedoes and tux shirts from one of my readers. This is becoming a common question among many men. So it would be good to have a basic understanding about the trend of tux in this 21st century.

Question:

My question is related to a black tie wedding I'll be attending in Venice, Italy. I really don't want to wear the traditional tux/rental and was wondering of other possibilities.

I have seen many people skipping the traditional style and wearing what looks to be black suits with long, black ties etc... I have a nice black hugo boss suit.

Could I buy the tie and tux shirt and go with that or is the bride going to give me?

Answer:

Yes, traditionally you should be in a black tux with the cummerbands, black bow tie etc. However of late, there has been a modification of this look whereby:

The white shirt and black silk tie substitutes the tux shirt, black bow tie and cummerband. the tux comes without tails but has the traditional satin lapels. As a black tie affair is formal, a black suit will not be appropriate.

However, you may be able to get away with it provided the suit is well cut and its fabric has a sheen to it which suggests dressiness, for example 100% silk or silk + mohair.

Rather than a tux shirt, you can consider getting away with a cuffed white shirt which you can re-use for work. Also, you'll need to get a good pair of patent black shoes which he can use again for formal events in the future.

Lastly, if you are the groomsman, then traditionally the bride and groom have the financial responsibility to provide you the tuxedo.

Copyright 2006, Leroy Fong and Mens-Fashion-Tips.com Reprinting this article is allowed provided all references and acknowledgement to the author, the website, and the URL remain intact.

 

Spring 2006 Fashion Colors

They stopped selling winter coats in the store around November and started gearing up for spring. The transition started with the spring colors but longer sleeves but now they are stocking the shelves with spring and summer garb. Before you hit the racks, do you know what to choose that best compliments your image? Remember our rule. Unless you are dumping the entire closet in the trash (and there are some out there who should), never buy dailywear unless it goes with 3 things in your wardrobe.

So what colors are hot this spring? You will see the return of the turquoise and hot pink of last year but this years palette is topped off with orange (and we mean orange!) and kelly green. The sage, celery and celadon greens of the past 2 years have gone to the wayside. We even saw a kelly green polo shirt for men last week.

However, the shocking news especially for the east coast is this. Despite the line from Wicked! that "Black is this year's pink," black is out! Khaki and olive green and "sand dollar" are replacing black as the staple for the wardrobe. I personally will be hiding out in my house until this trend ends. On a serious note, be careful what you choose from this color set. These neutrals are not as nuetral as they sound. Most of us cannot wear olive green and the khaki colors come in a variety of shades that can leave some of us looking like yesterday's leftovers.

In other fashion news, white has also made a huge comeback along with a few pastels. Again, watch out for this one. Skin tone, your age, and your natural hair color play a major role in your ability to carry off white...and I don't care what anyone says, don't get those white shoes out until after Memorial Day!

Now that we have thrown you into thinking about color, stay tuned for next month's fashion advice on the styles that will make or break your spring and summer collection.

Completely overwhelmed by what you read and not even sure what we mean by the right color or fabric? Consult with an image specialist or personal shopper in your area.

Read more about choosing the right styles by reading our ezine article on creating the sucessful wardrobe.

Indra A Books, author of this and many other lifestyle articles, is the owner and founder of ON THE GO 4 U, LLC, Personal Shoppers & Concierge Service in the Washington DC metropolitan area, providing life management services. In addition to its shopping and concierge services, ON THE GO 4 U also publishes a monthly e-zine and conducts workshops. Ms. Books is the Vice President for the International Concierge & Errand Association. For more information about the author and ON THE GO 4 U, please visit http://www.onthego4u.net.

 

Fall Fashion Colors

The summer colors tended toward fun and bright turquoises, pinks, and greens. We are going to warm things up and tone down a bit with the fall selection. No matter what color names the designers give them, the trend this year is very much in the gold tones. Burgandy, rust, wine, camel, and dark chocolate brown.

However the two hot colors for fall are purple and green. The green is a continuation of the summer, but warmed up a bit with burnt olives, celeries, and a darker celadon. We expect green to be around for another season or so. The trend color of the season is purple and the warmer the purple the better.

The makeup industry very closely mirrors the trends of the fashion industry. The color palettes this fall are golds, peaches and plums. As with anything in color, remember to choose colors that are right for your skin tone.

So now that you know what the colors are for the season, how do you make them work for you? Here is the bad news. While green is the fashion color of the minute, it is one of the most difficult colors for most people to wear. You can quickly go from looking vibrant and on top of your game to looking sickly by just wearing the wrong color. Purple is a lot more forgiving so if you are not sure what colors work for you, steer away from green, try the purples and if all else fails, contact a color consultant.

Tip: Listen to what people are saying about how you look. Are they commenting on the clothes or are they saying that YOU look fabulous? Usually a few minor adjustments to style or color can make all the difference.

Indra A Books, author of this and many other lifestyle articles, is the owner and founder of ON THE GO 4 U, Personal Shoppers & Concierge Service in the Washington DC metropolitan area. The company’s creed is to provide its clients with the ultimate life management experience. In addition to its shopping and concierge services, ON THE GO 4 U also publishes a monthly e-zine and conducts workshops on wardrobe, entertaining and decorating. For more information about the author and ON THE GO 4 U, please visit http://www.onthego4u.net

 

Fashion Rx: This Year's Trends, Clothes and Accessories

Before you are tempted to buy any new clothes for the Fall, take a few minutes and analyze what you have (and don't have!) in your closet with this handdy Wardrobe Rx. It includes the 10 things every well-dressed woman needs to have right now. If the list seems a little boring, remember, these are the “basics.” It’s important to “build” a wardrobe, but in order to do that, you have to start with the foundation. The "fun" stuff comes after you've taken care of the basics. We'll be covering all of that too, but we're getting ahead of ourselves.

Wardrobe Rx: What You'll Need Now

1. Great pair of jeans: They should be long and fit you well!

2. White cotton shirt: It’s timeless and every closet needs one. It must be crisp and “white,” so you may have to replace it each season.

3. Sweater set: Pick your fabric: silk, merino wool, etc. Buy this in your favorite color!

4. Casual pants: Cotton, tweed, cords, etc. but stick with a basic color, grey, brown, black, etc.

5. Casual skirt: Follow the rules above for casual pants.

6. Little black dress: You can dress this up with jewelry for a wedding or dress it down with sandals for a casual lunch.

7. Black dress slacks: Pick the fit that’s best for you; they come in a variety of price ranges; remember, classic is best.

8. Tailored suit: There are many styles to choose from; have it altered to fit you well; great for interviews, important meetings, etc.

9. Cami: Something cute and basic. You’ll be wearing this with your suit, under your cardigan, etc.

10. Trendy blouse: Have some fun with this one. Here’s where you let your personality show.

All of these pieces work together really well and you’ll be surprised how many different combinations you can create with just 10 basic things!

Wardrobe Rx: What You'll Want Later... Weekend Retreats

We've covered What You Need Now so let's talk about What You'll Want Later. You've got the foundation and now it's time for some fun. Since it’s summer, and a lot of us go on weekend getaways, let’s talk about what you’ll need to pack for your next weekend retreat.

1. Colorful sundress: Try a bright floral pattern.

2. Casual sandals: Pick a neutral color and go for a lower heel because you’ll probably be doing some walking.

3. Swimsuit & Cover-up: Choose a color and style that's best for your body with a cover-up to match. There are many style cover-ups to choose from. You may even want to pick one that can be worn on its own as an outfit.

4. Flip Flops: Again, pick a color that will go with your swimsuit as well as your casual outfits that you’ll be bringing along.

5. Canvas Tote: This will be your “everything” bag for the weekend, i.e. purse, beach bag, etc.

6. Shorts: Lots of lengths to select from this year. Pick what’s best for your legs. And, if shorts just aren’t your thing, try a cotton skirt.

7. Capris: White or khaki is great for the summer and will g