Formal Formalities: How to Make a Good Impression

Posted under Fashion Style, Fashion Tips by Joyce on April 8th, 2008 9:25 am

Depending on whom you ask, people make their first impression within 7 to 30 seconds of meeting someone. That said, it’s worth putting in a few extra mirror minutes before you leave the house for interviews or formal gatherings. If you’re going to be rubbing elbows with some important people you’ll want to make sure your elbows are cleaning and looking rather spiffy. Anyone can throw on a suit and tie, here are some head to toe tips on how to do it right to make a great first impression.

* Hair: Do you have a lot of grey hairs? Do you own any styling product? Is your hair getting a little shaggy in a not so cool, really did just roll out of bed way? While you may not spend as much money on products and beauty services as your female counterparts, if you need to make a good impression you really need to make an effort. Whether you are going to or getting married, going to a charity function, or going to an interview you need to make sure you hair says you care.

* Face: If you really need to make a good impression you need to clean up your face a bit. This includes but is no limited to washing your face and giving it a good shave (with a new manual razor or a nice electric one). You want to think about purchasing a moisturizer for your face to help your skin look soft and well kept. Not only will keeping great skin feel good, but it will show those you meet that you care about your appearance and take care of yourself.

* Shirt: Unless you’re planning on wearing a Hawaiian shirt (which I hope you’re not) you really should stick to long sleeve dress shirts. Short sleeves shirts generally just don’t look appropriate for formal functions or interviews. Your goal is to give the impression of class and sophistication, nothing says that like long sleeves dress shirts adorned with a pair of your favorite cuff links.

* Jacket: The world of suit jackets is a vast and confusing one. There are several types, colors, and fabrics that make shopping for a suit seem more complicated than shopping for a car. When you get a suit coat, find one that fits properly, it’s generally a good idea to ask for some help from the sales clerk. Make sure your sleeves aren’t too long or shirt and that the overall condition of the jacket is good. Wear something that is appropriate for the weather, however if you tend to be hot no matter what your wearing, go for a light summer wool jacket. While there are several styles of jackets, choosing a single breasted one is usually a good idea since it’s so versatile.

* Tie: Ties come in an infinite amount of colors, styles, textures, and patterns. If your going to an event that requires you to dress for the occasion, you should steer clear of the fun character ties or the ones with clever saying or pictures. Instead, opt for a solid colored silk tie or one that has a simple small pattern like paisleys or polka dots.

* Pants: Making sure your pants fit currently is a good start at making the right first impression. You want o make sure that your pants aren’t too long (you don’t want to step on them) or too short (you want them to come down to right above your heel). You also want to make sure your pants don’t have any stains and that they are ironed showing a crease down the center of your leg.

* Belt: You want to complete your bottom half by wearing a belt with your pants. For formal occasions, your shoes compliment your pants and match your shoes.

* Socks: Generally socks are something you put too much thought into. You just throw a pair on in the morning before you put your shoes on and your set to go. When you dress for a formal occasion it’s absolutely imperative that you leave behind your white gym socks, trading them in for some nylon or thin cotton blend socks that match your suit. Generally, if you’re wearing black pants, wear black socks; likewise, brown pants call for brown socks.

* Shoes: While you may think that wearing nice shoes means wearing brown or black shoes that resemble a classier sneaker, for formal events and interviews you’re going to have to go a step beyond that. Your shoes say a lot about you, so you want to make sure your shoes are well kept, match your outfit, and shiny. If your shoes are looking a little worse for wear with worn out heels and scuffs you should opt to buy a new pair.

About the Author: Be ready for any formal occasions with accessories from Tateossian . Tateossian stands for unique contemporary design in jewelry. We offer the best and most exclusive men’s and women’s jewelry from cufflinks to bracelets. Visit us at www.tateossian.com.

7 Important Software Solutions A Fashion Design Company Should Use

Posted under Designers by Joyce on October 13th, 2007 9:01 am

By Saar Machtinger

When a new line or season is planned, manufacturers and
designers in the fashion design industry have many parameters to
consider. The elements that comprise the fashion design company
expenses are many, and the product line planning stage can never
be too meticulous.

Following is a list of a few modules and add-ons to CAD/CAM
software solutions intended at keeping manufacturing on track,
while saving on inputs such as raw materials and work hours
(manpower):

Prototyping – PDS Pattern Design System and 3D Draping for
getting the right fit the first time – faster.
Asset management - no more storing of paper patterns - instant
retrieval for modification, amendments etc.

Merchandising

1. 3D Draping utility for faster approvals of fit from buyers,
communicate in 3D.

2. 3D Designer – Carry your whole sampling room and the entire
fabric swatch library for virtual presentations.

3. Marker Making Software - Automatic marker making solution
for fast consumption calculations for costing purposes. Allows
you to Plan your fabric purchases effectively – Order just the
right quantity needed, neither less nor more.

4. Part patching Marker making - automatic marker making
solutions for patterned, striped or check fabrics where part
matching has to be done.

5. Modulate - Create your patterns once and use them forever –
Just change the measurements and all the related patterns change
automatically.

Production - Save fabrics during bulk cutting by making the
tightest possible marker, with the least fabric wasted.

Converters– They are available for converting native files from
other CAD/ CAM systems to OptiTex™ format. OptiTex™ is a fully
open CAD/ CAM solution, we can read files from almost all the
major CAD/ CAM vendors and can work in a truly collaborative
manner irrespective of which CAD system the vendor/ supplier is
using.

For further planning and production line efficiency, the
following software solutions may be considered:

3D Simulation - 3D Simulation offers the user a suite of tools
that will simulate all pre-production activities including
stitching, fitting, visualization, texture and color variation.
This can also be used as a communication tool between retailer,
subcontractor, designer, pattern maker, manufacturer, costing
and marketing departments. It allows the visualization of any
pattern modifications instantly in 3D, based on accurate CAD
patterns and real fabric characteristics.

Runway Designer - Whenever a manufacturer goes for a meeting
with the buyer, it is customary to see them lugging around huge
suitcases full of garment samples and fabric swatches. The same
samples can now be easily carried around virtually with this
user friendly and intuitive tool.

Runway Designer has an inbuilt library where different sizes of
mannequins and their associated garments and scanned fabrics and
prints can be stored. Presentation of the virtual fashion
collection is just a click away. Communicating and presenting
design ideas was never simpler. All the characteristics of the
fabric will be taken care of, while simulating the garment.

In conclusion :

Saving on manpower or materials and shortening the
Time-To-Market can make all the difference between a profitable
company and one which is not, and a company in the fashion
design industry cannot afford planning or manufacturing
mistakes.

Using any or all of the above software solutions and modules
can assist with production line efficiency and profitability in
the fashion design industry.

About the Author: Mr. Saar Machtinger, Director Business
Development, OptiTex™ Fashion design software, which specializes
in the development of innovative, easy-to-operate, 2-Dimensional
and 3-Dimensional CAD/CAM Fashion Design software.
www.optitex.com

Source: www.isnare.com

Wedding Dress Sizes And Ideas

Posted under Wedding Fashions by Joyce on April 26th, 2007 1:47 pm

Firstly, there are different weights of satin. Go for something nice and lightweight. The simpler cuts do tend to be made from lighter fabrics to add to the simplicity, they also hang better without looking too stiff.

Mermaid (or fishtail) style would be perfect. Go for a 1 piece gown as a 2 piece or separates can cut a figure in half. Also, look at the fitting of the skirt.

For a petite frame, go for a skirt that flares out from mid thigh at the lowest. This will make you look taller and balance your figure. They’re also easier to walk in! If you go for a flare which is lower, more towards the knee, this will make you look too ’rounded’ and can look stunting.

I would stick to a light satin as they hold their shape better. As chiffon is so light, the cut tends to be more fitted and may not hang right on a petite lady. If you find the satin look is too much, go for something with a delicate lace overlay.

Try some princess line gowns as well. These scoop in at the waist and flare out just above the hip. A gown with a gentle rather than fuller a-line skirt can be very flattering whilst hiding any lumps and bumps.

It’s great to hear that you want to show off your figure, I’ve seen many Brides hide behind big dresses and I think it’s a shame.

It is unusual and rare but I have seen other colors and I am not talking about off white. The dresses were just like a typical one but dyed to various colors or else just plain made with color material. I have seen pink, black and dark blue. I think there was one or two more but that is about it. It also makes me think of the time when the bride and her mother had matching dresses except the mothers was white and the bride was pink.

I’d recommend going for a one-piece with a ‘rushed’ waist. Mori Lee have a lovely dress style 5507 - this has a lace-up back for a bit more freedom and the rushed waist brings the waist in and gives you shape.

Try a top and skirt or a separates look dress with a boned bodice. These hold you in all in the right places. Sincerity does a nice one - look on their website and you’ll find a couple with the off-the-shoulder sleeves.

However, before you decide on a skirt and blouse(this may be a comfort thing with you), don’t rule out a wedding dress. There are some companies out there that do make all kinds of wedding dress to fit almost any size all you would have to do is look. Also, many bridal shops will be having sample sales as well.

Consider an “A”line dress. There are many styles that look good on someone who is petite. I don’t know what you consider “overweight”, but look on the internet by Signature Plus. This will give you an idea of styles. Depending on at time your wedding is will also dictate what you wear. If it’s early in the day, a skirt (long) and blouse would be okay, however, if it’s later in the day and reception is after 5pm, you really need something more formal.

Look up a good seamstress. Ask your local fabric store for recommendations and visit with her. They will be able to help you select a style that will look beautiful on you and you’ll feel comfortable wearing. You may also be able to spend less by having a dress made for you. If you haven’t visited any bridal shops yet, do, if only to try on some dresses and see how the style looks.

Author Info:

Victor Epand is an expert fashion consultant at http://www.LingerieDress.com/. Visit us when you want the best prices, styles, fashions, and fits of all types of lingerie. We carry a super selection of everyday, as well as bridal and specialty items.

5 Tips For A Great Fashion Fit

Posted under Fashion Tips by Joyce on April 1st, 2007 6:52 pm

By Donna Monday

Ladies, have you ever been in a department store dressing room
and talked yourself into buying an outfit that looked great –
on someone else?

Face it. If it doesn’t fit right in the dressing room, it won’t
fit well or look good when you wear it out in public. Here are
five quick and easy tips to remember when buying clothes that
look good and fit well on your body type.

Tip #1 – Stick to a Color Theme

Wear the same color from head to toe. This will create the
illusion of a long lean line. Neutral colors work best for this
effect: black, brown, camel or cream. (Note: add a splash of
color with a jacket or wrap)

Tip #2 – Wear Your Correct Size

Dress in the size you are – not the size you want to be. In
spite of what you might believe, wearing clothes that are too
tight or too big will make you look LARGER.

Tip #3 – Be Aware of Flattering Fabrics

You want to wear fabrics that skim your curves instead of cling
to them. Fabrics should drape your body and make you look good,
not lumpy.

Tip #4 – Best Pants to Wear

The most flattering pants to wear for all body types have a
flat front, fall just below the navel (not hip huggers), and
flare slightly at the bottom.

Tip #5 – Best Skirt to Wear

The most flattering skirts to wear for all body types gets a
perfect grade of “A”. The A-line skirt looks good on everybody
and is great for hiding figure flaws.

Copyright 2005

About the Author: Donna Monday - Looking for plus size clothing
online? Visit your online Fashion Survival Guide for all the
latest full figured styles and where to buy them.
www.plus-size-appeal.com

Source: www.isnare.com