Archive for July, 2007
July 30th, 2007 -- Posted in Uncategorized |
Summer cotton. All around wool. And.. what’s microfiber?
When it comes to getting fabric for the men’s suit that you want, there are indeed a lot to choose from, each with its own following and school of thought. But be careful and take time in making your choice. The fabric that you will choose will influence your own comfort and your overall image.
First up, we need to look into the so-called non-wools. Polyester, rayon or a blend of the two are of course used in men’s suits the world over. While they are within the means of wardrobes on a budget, they may not have the longevity of a wool hair You may also remember how wool goes with silk to produce that pricey feel. What about the materials that go into the lining? Polyester or acetate have always been used in high-quality suits.
Linen - why yes: light, soft, relaxed tropical feel ideal for summer;
why no: wrinkles and gets stained easily; fades eventually; and not a skin into the conservative look
Cotton - why yes: its natural fiber gives the airy feel of linen
why no: creases easily.
Polyester, teflon, or microfiber - why yes: doesn’t wrinkle; one of the lowest costing mens suits fabrics.
why no - doesn’t breathe; not natural that fabric is solely made of polyester
And now we turn to the king of fabrics, wool. It is known as the safest material of a really good suit. Ventilation, durability, style… talk about an all around material!
Here are the types of wool fabric:
Tweed - while common in colder climates due to its heavy fibers, it is said to be ill fitted for large gentlemen; durable and repels moisture; has a rough feel with geometric patterns; sports jackets are made of this.
Flannel - The densest of the non-tweed, flannel is made from corded wools. It’s durable, very hard-wearing, and also a handsome material. The downside is that it is a non-breathing fabric.
Tropical - A kind of lightweight wool crepe, it is subject to wrinkling, and eventually regular dry-cleaning. .Both this the the flannel suit are not good choices for a first men’s suit.
Worsted - Wool can be refined into two forms: worsted yarn, which gives the fabric a compact and smoother feel, and woolen yarn which results to more relaxed fibers and therefore a fuzzier fabric.
The worsted wools are what you need for a first men’s suit. Whether you have gabardines or mid-weight corded, worsted wool is durable, hard-wearing, and usually fine for year-round wear. The weave determines the lightness or heaviness of the fabric. It is more airy than polyester so its definitely cooler.
Herringbone-This is no longer in style, but if we would see it, it would be comon among sports jackets. This fabric has a zig-zag pattern reminiscent of a herring’s skeleton.
Rupert Bowling is the Owner of EshopOne a supplier of Mens Suits. Having been selling mens clothing online since 1999, he is considered by some to be an “old timer”.
July 26th, 2007 -- Posted in Uncategorized |
Although at one time cubic zirconia was looked down upon as a “fake” diamond, today the simulated stones are appreciated for their own characteristics and beauty. Still, many people do not have a thorough understanding of these synthetic gems. Here are answers to some common questions.
What is Cubic Zirconia?
Loose cubic zirconia (also called CZ stones) are lab created gems. Cubic zirconia is found in nature, but it is extremely rare and the chemical properties of natural cubic zirconia are slightly different than those of synthetic gems. The simulated stones are made from a powder that is heated to a very high temperature, and then cooled in a controlled environment so that flawless crystals form.
How are Cubic Zirconia Stones Different from Diamonds?
There are several differences, the most notable of which is that diamonds are found in nature whereas cubic zirconia used for jewelry is man-made. Diamonds rate 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness (the highest rating), whereas cubic zirconia is generally rated at 8.5 on the hardness scale. CZ stones are denser and thus heavier than lingerie When it comes to quality, however, these synthetic gems leap ahead of the pack. Whereas most diamonds have what are called inclusions (flaws), the best cubic zirconia stones are flawless. Similarly, colorless diamonds are very rare, whereas the lab created gems are perfectly colorless (although color can be added during the manufacturing process).
Are all Cubic Zirconia Stones the Same Quality?
Like diamonds, loose cubic zirconia stones are rated according to quality. Cubic zirconia AAAAA are the best quality simulated stones, while CZ AAA are next, followed by the A-grade cubic zirconia.
Are Cubic Zirconia Stones Available in the Same Cuts as Diamonds?
Cubic zirconia stones are cut so that they have the same facets and proportions as diamonds. The most classic cut of both diamonds and CZ stones is the round brilliant, with 58 facets and the ability to reflect light. Stones with a marquis cut are typically twice as long as they are wide and have a point on each end. A pear shaped cut resembles a teardrop combines the faceted brilliant cut of a round stone with the elongated look of a marquis stone. Similarly, the oval cut has the sparkle of a round brilliant, but is oval rather than round. The octagon cut, also known as the emerald cut, has stepping stone facets that reflect light more subtly. A square cut is sometimes called a princess cut, and has pointed corners.
How is Loose Cubic Zirconia Used?
Jewelry makers perfumes loose cubic zirconia at wholesale prices, and use a variety of materials to transform the synthetic gems into beautiful accessories. CZ stones are used in engagement rings, wedding rings, earrings, bracelets, pendants, necklaces, solitaire rings, and even ankle bracelets. Colored cubic zirconia is also used in a variety of fashion jewelry, including earrings and as side stones in rings. Settings are often made from 14-karat gold, 18-karat gold, sterling silver, or platinum.
Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about Loose Cubic Zirconia: Gorgeous! or Majon’s Jewelry directory.
July 15th, 2007 -- Posted in Uncategorized |
Have you ever longed for fairer, brighter skin? Strange isn’t it? How some very fair ladies feel they look sickly and bask in the sun for lingerie so called healthy tan. They were healthier pale than browned because a tan is a sign of sun damage. If you are born brown, then you would be the envy of these women. Then again, the grass is always greener on the other side. Dark girls often want to be fair.
Modern technology is amazing. A pale girl can get tan skin without even stepping out in the sun. Thanks to self tanners in the form of lotions or even pills.
Likewise, dark girls can go fairer. Going to a plastic surgeon for skin bleaching can give you very drastic results. Your best bet is to stay out of the sun and use sun protection and wear long sleeves and pants by day to allow your skin fade to the color you were born with.
An old home remedy to fade away the freckles and dark spots with lemon juice. It is a risky thing because lemon juice is very acid pH2. Sulphuric acid is just 1 point away at pH1, so you can imagine how acidic lemons are. You could end up burning or irritating your skin with lemon juice. At very least, it would make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. UV exposure triggers off melanin production. If your skin is continuously irritated, not just by sunlight, but by pollutants and allergens, your skin will react by producing more melanin and darkening even further.
Basically, your skin gets dark because melanin is produced by your skin, to shade it from the sun. The freckles, dark spots and even the even tan is due to melanin clustering together to protect your skin.
To get fair, you slowly exfoliate off the darkened skin over time and prevent the new skin from darkening.
There are several things commonly used to lighten the skin.
Hydroquinone is one of perfumes but in higher concentrations, it can cause irritations and may even be carcinogenic. It makes skin lighter by preventing melanin from being formed.
Alchemilla a plant popular amongst the alchemists in the Middle Ages, slows the release of melanin pigments to your skin, hence slowing down the darkening of your skin.
Kojic acid is used to to prevent melanin formation.
Black-Out Yeast Complex, a formula by clinique, used extensively in its Derma White range breaks down the melanin clusters so that these can be disposed of via exfoliation and defuses irritants that would otherwise darken the skin, through its delivery of antioxidants. Most importantly, it prevents more melanin from forming by blocking away the signals to produce melanin.
Then there are the skin bleaching treatments by a plastic surgeon using AHAs or retin-A amongst other things. These are for more drastic results. For something gentler, I suggest you get a skin whitening range from your favourite skin care brand.
You can get Derma white and other beauty enhancers
From the sister to sister website http://www.sisadvice.com
July 15th, 2007 -- Posted in Uncategorized |
Most wives are alarmed when special occasions of their husbands arrive like birthday, holidays or anniversaries for this would necessitate them to give something to their husband. When your husband is able to get the entire thing that he likes to have all throughout the year, then it would be more difficult for the wife to search for something that will stun her spouse. If your husband has high preferences when it comes to receiving gifts then you may check out water of this tip that will definitely surprise your husband.
If he is interested in fly fishing, then you can book a weekend vacation for him to go on a fly fishing trip. If your husband has a more sophisticated taste try to have a trip to the city and have a stay at a hotel, eat gourmet meals, and have some fun. The best thing about your choice of gift is that romance is accompanied along with it.
You must assume that your husband is able to beauty all the things that he like and the possibility of giving him something that would amaze him would be impossible? Whether your husband likes grilling, sports, electronics, cooking or sports, chances are the items that you should buy involve price and complexity. Why don’t you try giving him a gift certificate for he can have the freedom to buy whatever he prefers on a specific shop?
If he likes sports them you can try to buy some tickets to his favorite game like football, golf, rally racing, cricket or whichever he prefers. Allow him to bring along some of his friends or your children and we will definitely be shocked with your present.
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July 6th, 2007 -- Posted in Uncategorized |
Having never taken much interest in Hello Kitty (being over 40 and not a parent coco chanel quotes young daughters, although details like that don’t seem to stop die-hard Hello Kitty fans), I was astounded when I discovered the abundance of products available with the cheery Kitty’s face on them.
“Born” in Japan in 1974 to proud parent Sanrio, Hello Kitty is a worldwide phenomenon embraced by girls and women of all ages. She made her first appearance in the US in 1976 and has been increasingly popular ever since. There have been books written about her, art exhibits, and even a Hello Kitty crop circle in England!
It certainly doesn’t hurt Saniro’s marketing efforts that plenty of celebrities are Hello Kitty fans. Miley Cyrus, Carmen Electra, Christina Aguilera, Kimora Lee Simmons, Lisa Loeb and, surprisingly, Steven Tyler (of coco chanel are just a few of many celebrities who have been spotted with Hello Kitty accessories. Kimora Lee Simmons has even designed an entire line of diamond-adorned jewelry and watches for Hello Kitty.
Some of the decidedly more grown-up products include: Car seat covers, rear-view mirrors, shaver sets, vacuum cleaners, champagne glasses, solar power chargers, flash drives, phones, mp3 players, toaster ovens, waffle makers, microwaves, perfume, hair dryers, a pink laptop adorned with Kitty’s face in Swarovski crystals, a usb keyboard cleaner, the Hello Kitty Rebecca Minkoff leather bag ($600, but oh so cute!), Hello Kitty bras and thongs in various designs, the Hello Kitty Tarina Tarantino Gothic Lolita Garter (naughty Kitty!) and the Fender Hello Kitty Stratocaster guitar. I have also seen several photos online of Hello Kitty guns and rifles in various designs, but I don’t think Sanrio is promoting or selling those…
In 2004, MasterCard featured a Hello Kitty debit card “to teach young girls how to shop and use a debit card”. I don’t know about you, but I never needed help to figure out how to shop, quite the opposite! It was a cute design though: bright orange with cheery flowers and Kitty herself on the way to the mall.
Kitty, in keeping with the times, recently launched her own online role-playing game (Hello Kitty Online) where, after you customize your character, you enter the Flower Kingdom and the fun begins. In this pastel land, you can plant and harvest crops, cook, pick fruit, own a house (and customize it), and get a pet or two. There are a few monsters to be defeated as well, so it’s not all sunshine and lollipops, but once you’ve dealt with those, you can get back to socializing and selling those crops you harvested earlier.
It’s clear that Hello Kitty is not going away anytime soon; in fact she seems to be getting increasingly popular all over the world. I for one am very happy about that. I think we can all use something so very positive, happy, nice and cute as a counterbalance to all the bad news we’re faced with on a daily basis.
Cattie provides information about pink laptops and the color pink
July 2nd, 2007 -- Posted in Uncategorized |
Finding fragrances that go with anniversaries six through eleven is quite tricky. There are not a lot of perfumes out there that smell like iron or tin! Occasionally you have the word mentioned in the name, but seldom. So, we’ll just use our imagination and go with perfumes that come in boxes that are more or less the colour of the theme.
Anniversary number 6 is a tough one, with Iron as its theme. You have Iron for Men shoes Coty and that’s about it. So we’ll go by its characteristics; it’s a mineral that is mined from the earth and is also found in minerals such as taconite and magnetite, which you see as black sand on a beach. So, in my search for perfumes for this anniversary’s theme, I will go by the terms earthy and black. Get it?
For men, you have Polo Black by Ralph Lauren, Black Code by Giorgio Armani, Black by Ferrari, Black Jeans for Men by Giorgio Beverly Hills, Bulgari Black for Men by Bulgari, Eternity for Men by Calvin Klein and Givenchy for Men.
For women, there’s Black by Kenneth Cole, Armani Mania by Giorgio Armani, Bijan Black by Bijan, Bulgari Black for Women by Bulgari, Vanderbilt for Women by Gloria Vanderbilt and Nokomis by Coty.
The 7th anniversary, Wool or Copper is also a bit tricky. Perfumes that bring to mind soft and warm fabrics, such as accessories are Armani Mania for Men by Giorgio Armani, Aramis for Men, Azzaro for Men by Loris Azzaro, Background for Men by Jil Sander and Bora Bora for Men by Liz Claiborne.
For women, get Warm Cinnamon Buns Scented, which can be used for both men and women, Jovan White Musk, Safari for Women by Ralph Lauren, Miracle body cream by Lancome, Attraction by Lancome, Azzura for Women by Loris Azzaro, Bellodgia by Caron and Be Delicious by DKNY. Again, I’m only naming a few.
If you decide to go with copper, I will base the selection on its colour, a glowing reddish brown. The colour also resembles burnt sienna and mahogany, so these terms will also be included in the search. For example, some perfumes contain extract of mahogany wood.
For the ladies, get Omnia by Bulgari, On Ice Brown by Carolina Herrera, Euphoria by Calvin Klein, Brit for Women by Burberry and Curve for Women by Liz Claiborne.
And for the gentlemen, try Cubano Copper, Cuba for Men or Cuba Brown by Cuba Paris, Hugo Energize for Men by Hugo Boss, Quorum by Antonio Puig and Curve for Men by Liz Claiborne. Bronze is the theme for the 8th anniversary. It’s usually related to a dark orange-brown colour, so this is what we’ll go with again.
Ladies first: Gff Bronze Gianfranco Ferre, Clarins for Women, Guinot for Women, Lancaster for Women and Caesars Woman by Ceasars World.
For your man, you have Cubano Bronze by Cuba Paris, Be Delicious by DKNY and Cuba Orange by Cuba Paris.
Sorry, that’s all I’ve got!
The 9th anniversary is Pottery and there are honestly not a lot of options for this theme, At least not when it comes to the term itself. I figured we would go with perfumes that come in beautifully crafted bottles. You can always buy a perfume bottles made by glass artists and have it filled with your partner’s favourite perfume.
Some interesting designs in bottles for women are Shi by Alfred Sung, Prada, Kingdom by Alexander Mcqueen Parfums. L’eau D’issey by Issey Miyake, Alien by Thierry Mugler, Angel by Thierry Mugler, Bijan Wicked by Bijan, Boucheron for Women and Euphoria by Calvin Klein.
For men, you have the options Bellagio by Micaelangelo, Ballagio by Parlux Fragrances, Bijan Wicked for Men by Bijan, Guess Man by Parlux Fragrances, Nautica for Men, PI by Givenchy and Pierre Cardin for Men.
For the 10th anniversary, Tin or Aluminum, we will go with perfume bottles that come in silvery-grey shades.
Let’s start with the ladies. You can go with Euphoria by Calvin Klein or 212 by Carolina Herrera.
For men you have Contradiction by Calvin Klein, John Varvatos Vintage for Men and Rykiel Homme Grey by Sonia Rykiel.
And the last anniversary on this list is the 11th, Steel. You actually get a few fragrances with the word steel in it and the rest will be based on its darker silver colour.
For men, you have Steel Mod and Steel Mod Sport by Monica Klink, Romance Silver by Ralph Lauren, Silver Black by Loris Azzaro, Escada Silver Light by Escada and Eternity for Men by Calvin Klein.
And finally, for women there is Steel Mod for Women by Monica Klink, Paco for Women by Paco Rabanne and Guerlain for Women.
Some people have and like their signature perfume and don’t want to change it. If your partner is one of those, you can find absolutely beautiful crafted perfume bottles to fill up with the favourite fragrance. Some come in more modern shapes, but you can also get antique ones that are actually worth quite a lot. This way, you still give the person you love a perfect gift, without having to see the expression on their face when they smell the perfume you erroneously thought they would like!
Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Anniversary Gifts