Dress for success, we’ve all heard that advice and many cases, it’s true. The way you dress does send a message. When you’re in the business and corporate world, it’s important that the message you send is the right one.Here are different styles of ties and how they can reflect on you:Cartoon and Novelty Ties These convey a sense of humour, jokester, someone who doesn’t take himself too seriously. In some situations, a novelty tie is appropriate. In the business world when you are trying to close a deal–not normally a great fit.Pink Ties The pink tie portrays a sense and respect of fashion, confidence, style and the finer things in life. Softer shades of pink would be more appropriate for job interviews rather than a strong, vibrant pink–you don’t want the focus to be on your tie!Striped Ties The classic striped tie portrays style, stability, strength, class. A striped tie would be an appropriate choice for business meetings, job interviews and events that require professionalism.Small to Medium Patterned Ties Smaller patterns that are not overwhelming are a good choice for the business and corporate world. Checks, paisleys, and alternate color thread weaves are stylish and portray creativity, strength and class.Large Patterned Ties Larger patterns can be overbearing, but fun at the same time. If you want to be taken seriously and the focus kept on your solo presentation but not on your tie–larger patterned ties are best kept for social activities. They can portray a sense of style, confidence and flamboyancy.Solid Color Ties
Reflects professionalism, traditional and no-nonsense. If you are wearing a patterned shirt, the solid color tie is a must unless you are going for a look that’s a bit helter skelter.

You can use your fashion choices to help people perceive you the way you want them to. Clean, well pressed, well fitted and appropriate attire will send a strong first impression about the level of professionalism and business edge you want to portray. As they say…Dress for Success!

McClellan Pierce

Fashion comes in a wide array of styles, but one accent that continues to be a favorite among designers is embroidery.Embroidered designs are showing up on swimsuits, retro caftan tunics and even on sophisticated eveningwear. If you like the look of high-end embroidery fashion but don’t have thousands to spend on your wardrobe, today’s advanced sewing machines make it easy for you to create an embroidered look with off-the-rack clothes – even if you’re a beginning sewer.There are three ways to add details to garments using a home sewing machine, according to Cynthia Scott, educational coordinator for the U.S. division of Janome, the world’s largest manufacturer of sewing machines.The most basic process is called applique, which is simply the process of applying one piece of material to another. Ribbons, lace, pre-embroidered patches or even designs cut out of fabric can be applied to other material by stitching around its edges. Most sewing machines have the ability to apply applique using any one of a number of simple stitches. The satin stitch, zigzag stitch and blanket stitch are all popular applique stitches that both secure your material and add a decorative finish.Another easy embellishment technique is to use one of the decorative stitches built into most mid-range sewing machines. These stitches range from flowers and other simple designs to heirloom stitches that look like they were done by hand. To copy the more sophisticated embellishments on fashion items, you need a sewing machine that does embroidery in a hoop. This kind of machine gives you the ability to add professional-looking embroidery, of virtually anything you can imagine, to your garment. You don’t even have to know how to sew to use these machines. For instance, Janome’s Memory Craft 300E only does embroidery. You simply import a design from a design card or the Internet, put your item in the hoop and press “Start.For total control, Janome makes the Memory Craft 10001, which connects to your computer. You use Janome’s powerful embroidery design software to create exactly what you want, then transfer the design to the MC10001 to add your own stylish signature to any item.

McClellan Pierce

The fashion world has long been filled with glitz and glamour. The ramp for models is always long, dramatic, and well-lighted. The walk is certainly a walk for fame, fortunately for aspirants but sometimes leading to a walk for shame. Who is behind all these promises and/or even breakdowns? No less than the fashion designers.

What, exactly, does a fashion designer do?

Basically, with streaks of talent, creativity, and sensitivity, fashion designers, as if influenced by Rumpelstiltskin, craft accessory and clothing sketches. They usually concentrate in one nature of accessory or garment such as women’s or men’s apparels, swimwear, lingerie, children’s garments, handbags, and even shoes. They, sometimes, lead the groundwork of the creation and promotion of their creations.

Famous fashion designers prefer to be self-employed and they cater for the request of their clients. Some cater to high-fashion department stores or to specialty stores. They establish fashion statements by setting the colors, silhouette, and type of materials that are worn each season.

There are also some designers who are employed by manufacturers of clothes. These designers just adapt fashion statements set by other designers for the market. However, there are small manufacturers who just purchase or copy designs.

Both designers sketch unique garments and follow certain trends in fashion. Likewise, both need assistants who should get used to the fast-paced schedule of the fashion business.

In detail, these designers execute the following tasks:

• Draw their unique designs.
• Create patterns for sample garments.
• Choose textile and add-ons (accessories).
• Apply tailoring and basic dressmaking principles along with draping techniques and flat pattern works.
• Fit and alter the completed product, if necessary.
• Set-up a fashion show.
• Compare the performance of the merchandise against the competitors.
• Keep self up-to-date of latest fashion trends thru magazines and other fashion shows.
• Have frequent trips to fabric showrooms to keep self updated of latest type of fabrics.

Actually, fashion designers can be categorized as follows:

1. Lead or Head Designers
They take care of the executive and creative tasks.

2. Assistant or Apprentice Designers
They usually make patterns and sample garments. They may also teach sample makers how to make patterns and designer garments.

3. Specialty Designers
They coordinate with other designers about special lines of garments.

4. Costume or Theatrical Designers
They usually create costumes used in theater and movie productions on a contractual basis.

The foundations for their creations are their knowledge, skills, and abilities honed in fashion schools and trainings in the long run.

• Basic Design – This refers to technical know-how included in the creation and use of technical blueprints, drawings, plans, and models.
• Idea Production – This is the ability of designers to approach problems creatively and resourcefully.
• Dynamic Learning – This is being able to analyze implications of new information and materials at hand.
• Operations Scrutiny – This is considering requirements of products to execute a design.
• Uniqueness – This pertains to unusual cleverness vis-à-vis trying situations.
• Harmonization – This is being able to having good coordination with others.
• Visioning – This is being able to see how an organization works under real conditions.

The talents and skills of these artists are really important in the fashion industry. The work requires an eye for a striking creation and business management. Thus, aside from the portfolio of their usually creations, formal education help these designers acquire the secrets of the trade in this business. In fact, graduation from a college or school that provides training on fashion and design is highly recommended in the industry, to keep incoming designers updated on the advent of new techniques and technologies.

However, some leaders of this industry view vocational training schools and community college as more capable of producing competent artists because these institutions work along with clothing industries.

Vocational schools provide trainings in sketching, draping and grading, pattern making, garment construction, textiles and trimmings, costume history, principles of design and color; and how to plan and market seasonal fashion lines.

High school students inclined in fashion and design should finish basic courses in arts, sewing, mathematics, speech, English, and business.

Usually, vocational institutions provide a two-leveled program with certificate that is consonant to the degree in Associate of Arts. For those who want to enter the fashion field immediately, a first level certificate of proficiency is provided. The next level of proficiency, the second-level requires a greater time of completion. But upon graduation, artists are considered competent enough to aim for positions as Assistant Designers. After all the necessary formal trainings and specializations, those who have the guts and high hopes spin gold fabrics!
McClellan Pierce

Most men know nothing about picking out lingerie, which is understandable because it can be confusing. What type of lingerie to buy, what size, what color – how is a man to know? Here is a little guide to help you when choosing lingerie for that special someone.

There are a few things to consider before you go out. What does she like? Remember that you will not be wearing this – she will and you should go out with the intent on getting something she will like. If she is not into lacey, tiny, see-through teddies, chances are if you buy that, she will not be in much of a mood to wear it and you may never see it. So keep what she likes in mind.

If you do not know, check out her nightgown/lingerie drawer before you leave. Check for material type (cotton, silk, etc.), colors, and most importantly, size. She may be flattered if she wears a large and you get her a small, but if she wears a small and you buy her a large, you may find yourself in trouble. Avoid anything that says “control” on the label. Those items are used to firm and flatten tummys and rears and she would probably not appreciate receiving them as a gift.

Another thing to remember is if the store offers to wrap the lingerie let them. Dainty lingerie will look better in their wrapping than if you wrap it in the paper left over from your cousin’s birthday. Presentation is part of the package with lingerie. Also, if you are uncomfortable in the store, check out online stores that sell lingerie. You can always start at Victoria’s Secret, but most major department stores like Macys and Nordstroms also sell lingerie. Final note – remember to keep your receipt just in case it is the wrong style, size, or color.

Now, what type of lingerie is available? Just about anything you can think of! Ask yourself what the occasion is. Is this to let her know you love her? If so, something crotchless or see-through probably will not send that message. But, if it is for Valentine’s Day or your anniversary, something a little more risqué might be appreciated. Bras alone have many different styles including push up, plunge, gel filled, padded, under wire, seamless, backless, strapless, open cup, and unpadded.

If you are purchasing a bra and panty set, always check out what she has in her drawer beforehand and definitely make note of the size – of both the bra and panties. Most places sell at least one pair of panties that match each bra, but some will sell several so you can mix and match. It will help to know what type of panties she likes to wear too – thongs, briefs, or high cut bikini.

When it comes to sleepwear, it can be just as confusing. One type of sleepwear is babydoll pajamas. They usually have very thin straps, a plunging V neckline, and are very short with matching panties. You will find most of these made out of silk or satin, materials that always make a woman feel good about herself. But, if she feels her breasts are too big or too small, or thinks her stomach is too big, you might want to avoid babydoll pajamas.

There are slips and chemises. Similar to the babydoll pajamas, these are a little longer and a little better at concealing problem areas such as breasts, butt or stomach. They too are usually made of silk or satin.

Gowns are full-length versions of the babydoll. Many are see-through or lacey and can help put your woman in the mood. Babydolls, slips, chemises, and gowns may also come with a robe.

A pajama set might not sound too sexy, but if it is silky, and buttons up the front, it can make your woman feel very sexy, especially if she is a plus size (size 18 or larger). Boxer sets have become very popular lately. The tops are tight, with thin straps and usually a V neckline, although there are boxer sets with normal t-shirt tops.

If you are really looking for lingerie to spice up your love life, take a look at Frederick’s of Hollywood (available online). They have been selling sexy lingerie for over 50 years. They have a wide variety of garter belts, bustiers, corsets, teddies (similar to the babydoll, but one piece), crotchless panties, and fishnet stockings – items that may not be available at many stores that sell lingerie.

What type of lingerie you should get your love depends a lot on her self-esteem. Many big woman love sexy little teddies, but some will shy away from them, for fear of exposing too much of themselves. Most stores sell lingerie in plus sizes, which are a little less revealing. If she is really athletic, a boxer set might be something she would like. Thin women will look good in anything, but especially teddies, corsets, and babydolls.

When shopping for lingerie, try to keep in mind what she likes. If you purchase something similar to the lingerie she already has and in colors you know she likes, it will probably make her happy. But, keep the receipt just in case!

McClellan Pierce