Semi Formal Dress

You have received an invitation for a party, dinner or an event with recommended dress code explicitly printed as semi-formal dress. You walk towards the closet, trying to narrow down all semi-formal dresses. You aren’t pretty sure about what fits the description of semi-formal dress. Do you have one or should you buy a new semi formal dress? Do you know exactly what semi-formal dress to choose? Could it be a dressy outfit with slacks and long or short jackets or jeans and will your Gap T-shirt suffice? Use this guide to choose suitable semi-formal dresses that makes

Semi formal dress options

Pants or skirts: Long or short sleek velvet dress, pant suits in silk, polyester or cashmere, short dressy afternoon dress, black skirt, tuxedo pants or long dressy skirt.

Top: Sparkly sweater or a dressy blouse, tops of satin, crepe, chiffon, lace or a metallic fabric, dressy nice top, dressy blouse, blouse and vest or jacket.

Placing due importance to etiquette, women are asked to wear semi formal dresses to such events or occasions that are less formal or to places that do not insist on formal attire. For instance, to business meetings, conferences, parties, day weddings, award ceremonies and dinner. Because of its universal use, comfort and ease, semi-formal dress gets the most attention. Semi-formal is colloquially used to refer ‘informal attire’. Unless specifically mentioned, the all time favorite semi formal colors are black and white in a wide range of styles.

Considered to be the trickiest of all dress codes, semi-formal dresses for women can’t be understood as long dresses. It is the length of dress that differentiates a formal and semi-formal dress. Not necessarily reserved for evenings, semi-formal dress for an evening event, say post 6 pm includes a cocktail dress for women. And, during the day, an appropriate short dress, pant suit or dress suit. Specifically for daytime weddings, baptisms and other ceremonies, semi-formal dresses ought to be tea-length or ballet-length dress, with hems falling between the knee and shin.

Selecting semi formal dress

In general, semi-formal dresses can be knee-length, say one inch above the knee to two inches above the ankle or a little lower may be mid-thigh to just below the knee length. Semi-formal pantsuits should be ankle length and dress suits ought to be hem knee length to floor length. Semi-formal dresses do not include heavily sequined attire or the formal ball-gown description. Preferably, pay attention to fabrics to look dressy enough. Choose silk, velvet, rayon, cashmere, high quality polyester brocades, good quality chiffon, velvet, velveteen, sateen or velour. In other words, anything that resembles a silky finish and dressy enough to make your personality shine!

A strict no-no is wool business suits which aren’t dressy enough to be classified as semi-formal. American women have a great deal of flexibility in choosing semi-formal attire. A classic tuxedo jacket with pants or a dressy pantsuit would also fit to the T. With a little imagination, try mixing any type of dressy outfit. Remember to keep away from cotton.

http://www.targetwoman.com/articles/semi-formal-dress.html

Prom Dress

Prom nights are probably one of the best moments of a student’s life, ones that create memories that will last a life time. Look up tips on selecting the right prom dress. With a few simple guidelines, you should be able to get a prom dress that works wonders on you. Read up on how you can add a personal touch to your prom dress.

Prom night

A prom, short for promenade, is used to describe formal dance held at the end of the high school academic year, especially in United States and Canada. While in UK, a prom or proms widely refer to a season of classical concerts which are typically held between July and September. Common prom activities include dining, dancing, crowning of a prom King and Queen and socializing. The schools may arrange a prom night by renting ballrooms at expensive hotels while some might choose unusual venues such as a pleasure cruise boat.

The Perfect Prom Dress

Going to the prom is one of the most special occasions that you will carry with you. With a variety of prom themes, shopping for prom dresses and deciding from among the prospects can take weeks, if not months. Look for options for your prom dress well in advance. Months ahead of your prom night, review fashion magazines that carry best of the prom dresses. Analyze the latest themes and materials available in prom dresses. However, don’t stick on to the ones in the magazine; try to add something special to the model you prefer. After all, your prom dress speaks volumes about your personality.

Play around with the length of your prom dress. From long and flowing to short or even ragged hem, the choice is wide. From the classic black number to bold striking reds and blues to sizzling pieces with sequins and rhinestones, prom dresses come in an array of styles and fits. Choose a style that flatters your body type. Look for a color and style that flatters you. Do not blindly go in for fashion diktats. After all, the prom dress must work its magic on you. You can go in for online shopping of prom dresses too.

Ensure that you get your measurements right so that the dress fits. Measure your bust, waist and hip and check with the charts. When you get a dress closer to your actual size, there are fewer alterations to make.

Add a personal touch to your store bough prom dress. A few embellishments at the neckline can add pizzazz to the prom dress. Go in for a Vintage dress if you want to appear straight out of a Shakespearean play. Carry a purse that adds to the style statement. Try a silvery rhinestone purse or a chic clutch bag. Team the jewelry to complement the prom dress. Choose earrings based on your dress and hairstyle.

Selecting a prom dress

Want to make your hips look smaller? In such case, find a prom dress with full-skirted ball gown or any gown that draws the focus upward. This style keeps the eyes off your hips and lets everyone focus on your slim waist. If you’ve got gorgeous curves show them off with the help of sheaths or super fitted styles or V-necks.

For those who don’t have those gorgeous curves, find a prom dress with A-line style. This will show off your slender frame while also creating the illusion of curves with a fuller skirt. If your collar bone and shoulders are on the bony side, then don’t opt for strapless or halter style prom dresses. They will make you look even skinnier.

I have a tummy! Never mind, you can always hide or flatten it with the help of a perfect prom dress. Try an empire-waist gown that gives a long, slim look. Alternatively, try corset-style bodice, this will shape your waistline by focusing on the bust line. Don’t ever get a princess-cut gown, basques waists, sheaths, slashes or horizontal stripes; these will draw attention to your midsection.

Want a taller look. Try sheaths and A-line, they will give you a tall look. Ensure that your prom dress is simple so that the A-line silhouettes enable you to add some length. Never choose a big ball gown, if you are small built.

I need to make my butt smaller! Try strapless ball gown or full-skirted style. This will hide your butt. You can also rely on corset style or other type of fitted bodice. While buying your prom dress, do not shop for sheath styles or those with extra-clingy material, it will make your butt appear bigger.

And finally Sleeves! If you have heavy arms try prom dresses with shorter sleeves or off-the shoulder necklines or see-through lace sleeves. They work well for upper arms that aren’t in super shape. Concentrate on the neck-line which would draw attention to your bust instead of arms. Don’t shop for sleeveless, strapless and spaghetti-strap dresses.

Ensure to trial your prom dress, what might look good on a hanger or a model may look little dull on you. On the other hand chances are there that a prom dress which stands dull out on the shelves might work its magic on you. As a thumb rule, try before you finalize. Don’t go for last minute shopping. Instead take enough time to shop for your prom dress. You may need to slightly alter it or add a few personal touches.

http://www.targetwoman.com/articles/prom-dress.html

Parka

Parka is a waist or hip-length cold weather jacket that is popular due to its ease of use and maintenance. Also termed as anorak, a parka is generally lined with fur or fun fur in order to protect the face and body from a combination of freezing temperatures and wind.

Selecting a parka

The word anorak (from the Greenlandic Inuit anorak) is mainly used in Britain. In general, a parka specifically implies a pullover jacket without a zipper or button opening. The word parka is now nearly the universal name in the United States and Canada. In North America, a parka is a waterproof jacket with a hood and drawstrings at the waist and cuffs. A parka is a knee-length cold-weather jacket or coat; typically stuffed with down or very warm synthetic fiber, and having a fur-lined hood. Parkas are often treated with a waterproofing agent on the outside to prevent moisture from seeping in. There are a variety of parkas, from acrylic fiber to fur and fun fur. Be careful while choosing one, as the selection mainly depends on the usage of the parka. Listed below are some basic features to be considered before buying a parka.

• If you are planning to go trekking or backpacking, look for a parka that suits the climatic conditions.
  
  
• Synthetic fibers are often hypoallergenic and dry quickly. Parkas made of synthetic fibers are more affordable too.
  
  
• Check for a need to apply additional sealant on seams and zippers.
  

Waterproof and breathable parkas: This could be used in warmer snow areas, such as Australian resorts. These parkas come with a waterproof outer layer as the outer conditions where you use them tend to be wetter because of warmth. You can also find breathable parkas, because as you exercise you sweat and if the sweat cannot escape, it condenses and you get wet from the inside. A waterproof and breathable parka comes generally in fiber and makes you feel comfortable. Fabrics are rated, typically with 2 numbers in thousands. One is for breathability and other for waterproofness. As a thumb rule, higher the number more effective is the fabric. For instance a parka with a rating of 5000 should be waterproof for years and of course, breathability will be high.

Insulated or Shell: A shell parka is generally preferred because it can control temperature by layering, without taking the insulating qualities of the garment into account. Shell parkas are waterproof and windproof without padding for insulation. An insulated parka means one less item of clothing. An insulated parka can be too hot for spring skiing, whereas a shell parka may be just right, since it allows you to add additional layers whenever you get colder. There are shell parkas that come with linings that can be zipped in or out. This may be good, but it doesn’t make any difference to a shell with a separate insulating layer. Shell parkas are of good use when you are away from snow.

Sealed Seams: This is an important factor to be noted in waterproof parkas. In a waterproof garment chances are there that the waterproof layer may get pierced by thousands of tiny holes while stitching the panels of the garments. Water will penetrate through these tiny holes thus making you uncomfortable. Manufacturer’s overcome this by placing a sealant over the seams on the inside of the garment. This sealant could either be a narrow tape glued over the seam, or a line of gunk along the seam that looks like silicon sealant. In a padded parka, the seam sealing may be hidden due to insulation. Though seam sealing are effecting, it might fail at times. While buying a parka, remember to shop for one with minimum number of panels by which you either reduce the number of seams or could avoid failed seam sealing.

Hoods and Collar: A good hood or collar must give you a place to hide in bad weather while at the same time should not impede your visibility. Some parkas have hoods that are attached by zips or press studs. Others have hoods that tuck into a pouch in the collar. The secret to a good collar is that it should be high enough to tuck your nose into. Some collars, and most hoods, have drawstrings to tighten the apertures and stop wind and precipitation penetrating. The collar should be big enough that you can fit a neck gaiter inside it without the collar being uncomfortably tight.

Wrist Closures: While you shop for a parka, look in for the one that has tight but comfortable wrist closures so that cold waves don’t get in. You can tuck your gloves inside your parka; ensure that your parka’s wrist has enough room for this as well. Storm Flaps: These are cloth closures on the main zip. They can be in front of the zip, or one can be behind. One flap will not be enough. Two overlapping flaps are necessary to keep inclement weather out.

Powder Skirts: Most parkas come with an elasticized internal skirt near the bottom. They form a seal around the top of the pants to prevent snow from getting inside the parka. While some parkas don’t have an internal skirt, they have an elasticized drawstring at the waist. Though the drawstrings perform the same function they are not as effective as the internal skirts.

Washing your parka

Be careful while washing your parka. Follow the instruction given inside the flap of your parka. Don’t ever dry clean your parka. Use the gentlest option in your machine and ensure to use a mild detergent or special sports detergent for your fabric.

http://www.targetwoman.com/articles/parka.html

Cocktail Dress

The advantage of having a cocktail dress is its versatile style, elegant and extravagant appeal. You can consider it appropriate to wear cocktail dress for fancy parties, opera or ballet, weddings and formal dinner parties. Be it sophisticated and chic, classically glamorous or slinky and daring, a well selected cocktail dress is worth having in the wardrobe. Selecting the right cocktail dress appropriate to your body shape can get you the desired effect.

Original cocktail dress

The origin of cocktail parties can be traced back to 1920s. The same year women felt the need to have a special dress in conjunction with the theme of the party and thus cocktail dresses found its way into women’s wardrobe. Since then, the dress has undergone numerous modifications. From the waistless, loose cut, which required women to wear flappers, cocktail dresses today are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and lengths. Originally reserved only for the younger women, the 1930s saw the introduction of waisted, slim skirted dresses designed for older women. Full skirts and décolleté necklines, silk skirts with jewel necklines, body-hugging and curve-enhancing, dress and coat suits and three-piece skirts slowly became highly popular. Some preferred heavily beaded dresses with fringes. The tiny matching bag, shoes and gloves became must-have accessories that made the dress complete.

Choice unlimited

Today, cocktail dresses or cocktail gowns come in an array of shapes, beautiful materials, with silk, satin, and layered or simply chiffon still being the most popular choice. Every season brings a lot of surprise with new additions. The length can vary from a mini length to that which stops above the ankles. The ‘little black dress’ hasn’t lost its charm with the passage of time and continues to remain the universally accepted look for cocktail parties. Colorful cocktail dresses in rich fabrics like velvet, crepe, brocade or silk or stretch satin or even rich tapestries translate well for formal or informal events. Short or long, any color, any style, fabrics in tune with the season, it is your individual preference that should be the deciding factor.

Selecting appropriate accessories for cocktail dresses is also essential. Take special care in choosing shoes if you are sporting a shorter length, as it invariably assumes an important focal point. A beaded cocktail bag made of silk, satin or brocade together with pearls, diamond-looks, gold or even silver, a sparkly vintage brooch, fishnet hosiery are all convenient options.

As with any other dress, the season casts its influence while selecting the fabric. For summer, go for floral prints in light pink, sky blue, pale green and yellow, as well as other pastels. For an event in winter, gray, crimson, black, dark brown and dark blue cocktail dresses can make you look absolutely best.

• Consider matching wraps to cover your arms. A beautiful wrap, colorful pashima shawl or shrug adds elegance.
  
  
• For a formal yet glamorous appeal, select trousers in a fit that flatters your body type. Give importance to fabric, fit and cut.
  
  
• If you feel more comfortable in pants, choose cocktail pantsuit. Match with a tailored denim jacket and perfectly hemmed trousers. Combine with a sequined camisole.
  
  
• Sleeveless or short-sleeved cocktail dress can be worn year-around with or without shawl, jacket.
  

Selecting cocktail dress

You can look classic and stylish provided you pay sufficient importance to core principles of dress selection. Appropriate dressing suitable for an event gives you a sense of confidence and self-esteem with which you feel as though you can take on the world.

• Never try to fit into a cocktail dress with a too low cut or that which is ill fitting.
  
  
• Before selecting a dress evaluate your overall body shape, give importance to looking best, elegant and comfortable.
  
  
• Select dress to your body figure, instead of blindly following the latest trends.
  
  
• Understand your plus and minus points, accentuate or hide accordingly.
  
  
• Black, a universal color may not be right color for all. Find out a color palette that suits you.
  
  
• A body that lacks natural curves can be helped with bright colors and bold patterns that provide an ultimate feminine presence.
  
  
• To balance a top-heavy figure, consider flattering neckline for a full bust like the V-neck.
  
  
• Dark colors can make you look slimmer.
  
  
• Explore different combinations, the dress and the accessories. Cultivate your individual style. Allow your inner beauty to shine through.
• 
  

http://www.targetwoman.com/articles/cocktail-dress.html

Embroidered Apparel - Intimate Apparel

Embroidered Apparel

Embroidered apparel goes a long way back into the earlier century. But even today, embroidered apparel has not lost its appeal. You can get custom embroidered apparel with patches of your choice. Many fashion houses have an art and design studio where you can get custom-made embroidered apparel. It is possible to even get patterns of your own choice embroidered on your apparel. You can download designs from web sites to create embroidered apparel with a variety of motifs and patterns.

Intimate Apparel

Intimate apparel refers to the whole range of inner garments, sleepwear and lingerie that a woman would look for. Camisoles, slips and girdles form an important part of a woman's intimate apparel. Sleepwear like chemises and pajama sets and peignoirs are also a popular range of intimate apparel. Romantic lingerie is a must have in a bridal intimate apparel set.

http://www.clearleadinc.com/site/woman-garments-apparel.html

Tips When Buying Ladies Handbags

Aside from shoes, bags are definitely the Achilles’ heel of every female homo sapien. Women go gaga over any kind of bag, and they even take pains in matching their bags with their shoes.

Buying a bag can be a major decision for every woman even though she may already have a dozen or more in her closet. Women can never have enough of bags.

Those who have money to spend are lucky because they can splurge their money on bags of all shapes, colors and sizes. However, for the budget conscious who are nevertheless smitten with bags, it is wise to decide which bag would fit an already existing wardrobe.

When buying bags, consider where it is going to be used so that you will not be easily swayed into buying any bag that catches your fancy. Ask yourself whether the bag will fit into your existing wardrobe. A wise dressed will always know how to mix and match her wardrobe with her bags, shoes and accessories to make her wardrobe more cost effective. Bags and shoes, when mixed and matched with different dressed, will give a new set of wardrobe to the wise dresser.

Be able to put a ceiling or a price range for your target bag so you will not be tempted into buying anything that costs more than you budget. Except of if the price is already a bargain and it can be mixed and matched to several clothing wear. This characteristic will of course make the price of the bag more cost effective in the long term.

Fashion victims would always look at magazines and follow the newest craze in bag designs and colors. Wise and elegant dressers will always go for the classic look. Going with a classic look will mean your bag will outlast the newest craze and it can be worn anywhere and anytime, for any occasion.

There are however a few rules that would have to be followed by a woman before buying a bag. A petite woman should avoid very big bags as this will tend to make her look more petite than she already is. Bags can also hide body imperfections so be sure to know which body parts you want understated before choosing a bag. If you want to avoid getting attention on your big hips then choose a shoulder bag. If you have big breasts or broad shoulders then a waste bag is for you.

Bags can come in all types like pouch bags, shoulder bags, tote bags, flap bags, evening bags and many others. It can also come in various materials like leather, satin, velvet, denim or nylon. There are as many bag designs and materials depending on the creativity of bag makers.

Bags are welcome gifts for every female. However, being able to buy the right bag for the right person can be difficult considering that each person has different tastes in bags. When doing this, it would be better to ask the person about her preferences in bags. If the person is close to you, then you would have more knowledge about her fashion style and occupation. This way, your gift would not end up at the bottom of her closet.

About the Author:

The author is a regular contributor to Handbag Selector where more information about selecting and locating handbags sold at discounts is freely available.

Bra Frustration

I remember the times I would go shopping for Bras (especially during a sale) and when I got to the store, they either didn’t have my size or the clerk would say, " sorry but we just sold out". Yeah sure.

And please don’t mention Lingerie and Girdles!

Mine you, I could have went for the stuff in the back on the cheap isle, but why pay for something that will make you miserable and uncomfortable because of poor quality. Sure, I would save a buck or two, but I couldn’t see myself continuing to be uncomfortable all day due to something I hadn’t come to buy in the first place.

I decided that enough was enough and I was going to go online and find what I was looking for.

With gas prices being as high as they are, running all over town was now out of the question. I figured I could sit back in front of my computer, have a cup of coffee and relax a little.

There were three things that I need to do before I started my online journey. The first was to measure my full bust, under my bust and upper bust. These measurements also apply if you enjoy driving all over town.

Yes I said measure! It only takes a few minutes and you’ll be confident that you have your correct size in the event your girly figure has changed a little.

I went online and found the quality, price and most important... correct fit I was searching for.

Ladies, never settle for less. Take your measurements and find the price, quality and comfort you desire online.

Have a cup of coffee, tea or whatever and enjoy the Bra delights you can find on the Internet.

About The Author

Monique Flowers is owner of www.savealotdiscounters.com.