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Fashion

Learning to tie a tie

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Have you ever had to wear a tie but when it came down to putting it on, you had no idea how to tie a knot? You wouldn’t believe how many people have no idea how to do it. It may seem difficult almost impossible to some people but honestly it isn’t rocket science. There are different ways to tie a tie but here will go over the most basic four. Everyone has their own preference as to which method they use. Once you find your method you’ll become a pro in no time. You won’t even believe how simple it really is.

The most popular, most practiced ways to tie a tie are:

  • The Four-in-Hand Knot
  • Half Windsor
  • Full Windsor Tie Knot
  • Pratt knot

The Four-in-Hand knot is perhaps the simplest way to learn how to tie a tie. This knot is small and it’s the most appropriate for casual situations, since it doesn’t look like you spent too much time in front of the mirror on it. Although it might have taken you forever. If you’re ever in a hurry this is also the knot to go with. So how do you tie it? These are the simple instructions:

  1. Begin by crossing the wide end over the narrow end.
  2. Fold the wide end underneath the narrow end.
  3. Pass the wide end horizontally over the narrow end again.
  4. Take the wide end up and through the loop around your neck.
  5. Take the wide end through the knot in front. Proceed to tighten the knot and pull it up to your collar

Next up is the Half Windsor, which is a little more difficult than the Four-in-Hand knot. The Half Windsor is an easier version of the Full Windsor knot. Once you learn how to do this knot, the Full Windsor should be no problem for you. This is not a casual knot though. It’s more suited for the work, office environment. Following are the simple instructions for the Half Windsor:

  1. Begin by crossing the wide end over the narrow end.
  2. Fold the wide end underneath the narrow end.
  3. Pull the wide end up.
  4. Take the wide end back down through the loop.
  5. Move the wide end horizontally over the narrow end.
  6. Take the wide end up through the loop.
  7. Pull the wide end through the knot in front. Proceed to tighten the knot and pull it up to your collar.

Now we have the little more difficult Full Windsor Tie Knot. This knot is typically used for formal occasions. You should not wear this knot casually. It’s a wide, thick, triangular knot that’s completely symmetrical. It’s best suited with shirts with a wide collar. This knot should be used mainly for business meetings, presentations and weddings. These are the instructions for the Full Windsor:

  1. Begin by crossing the wide end over the narrow end.
  2. Take the wide end back through the loop around your neck.
  3. Take the wide end over the narrow end in the same direction you crossed it at step 1.
  4. Fold the wide end underneath the narrow end.
  5. Take the wide end up…
  6. And back through the loop in the same direction as step 4.
  7. Fold the wide end horizontally over the narrow end.
  8. Bring the wide end up through the loop once more, like you did in step 2.
  9. Pull the wide end through the knot.

Finally we have The Pratt Knot. This knot can pretty much be used for any occasion. This knot is either as wide as the Windsor or as narrow as a Four-in-Hand so it goes well with most dress shirts. The instructions for The Pratt Knot are as follows:

  1. Begin by crossing the wide end under the narrow end, while the tie hangs inside out around your neck.
  2. Pull the wide end up over the narrow end.
  3. Take the wide end down through the loop and tighten the knot.
  4. Move the wide end horizontally over the narrow end.
  5. Pull the wide end back up through the loop.
  6. Pull the wide end through the knot in front. Proceed to tighten the knot and pull it up to your collar.

So there you have it. Four of the most common ways to tie a tie. Some more simple than others but all very possible for anyone to do. There are different knots for different occasions, so you’ll never run out of knots no matter where it is you’re heading. Pick your favorite style and go with it. Master it, teach it. Soon all your friends and family will be asking for your help tying their ties. Hope you dont regret learning. It’s a very useful thing to know!!!

Fashion, Travel

How to Pack Dress Shirts

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Packing dress shirts can be a stressful experience – especially if you are packing for work or a special event. After all, you don’t want to end up with a wrinkly dress shirt before a big meeting or wedding! Even if it seems that no matter what you do you still end up with an unwearable dress shirt, there are some new things that you can try to ensure that your dress shirt can come out of the suitcase looking great and ready to wear! Here’s everything you need to know about how to pack dress shirts:

Folding

The first method of packing dress shirts involves the classic folding method. However, folding a dress shirt isn’t really that straightforward. Thankfully, it just takes a little bit of practice to learn how to fold a dress shirt like a pro and prevent wrinkles. Here are the steps to follow:

· Lay the shirt face down on a flat surface with the sleeves out

· Fold one of the arms inward a few inches so that the edge of the shirt is in a straight line

· Take the arm of the shirt and fold the top of it in a diagonal shape so that the cuff of the shirt is straight against the bottom hem

· Repeat this process on the other side of the shirt

· Fold the shirt in half from the bottom to the middle, and then again from the middle to the top

Rolling

Another method of packing shirts is rolling. If you’re a seasoned traveler then you may have heard of the rolling method before but probably not for dress shirts! But hear us out, it totally works and here’s how to do it:

· Start with the shirt face down on a flat surface with the sleeves out

· Fold the shirt in half so that the sleeves are on top of each other

· Fold the arms of the shirt inward so that the cuffs are in line with the bottom hem of the shirt

· Smooth out any wrinkled and begin to roll the shirt tightly from bottom to top

Material Matters

Even though the method of packing dress shirts to prevent wrinkles is important, you still need to remember that not all dress shirts are created equal. Dress shirts come in a range of different materials – some that are more prone to wrinkles than others. So before you travel with a dress shirt, it might be a good idea to check out the material to get an idea of how it will hold up on the road. Here are some of the different dress shirt materials and how prone they are to wrinkles:

· 100% Cotton: Cotton dress shirts are nice but they do wrinkle pretty easily.

· Cotton/Polyester Blend: Blended dress shirts are a cheaper option than 100% cotton and they don’t wrinkle as much.

· Performance: Performance shirts are a different dress shirt option that’s quite wrinkle resistant and even moisture-wicking as well!

Be Prepared

Finally, even if you pack the right dress shirt perfectly, there’s still a chance that you could end up with wrinkles so you need to be prepared to deal with that! Here are some quick fixes for annoying wrinkles on the road:

· The classic iron and ironing board

· Steaming your dress shirt with the steam from a hot shower

· A portable clothes steamer

· Travel-sized wrinkle-removing spray

Packing dress shirts can be a frustrating experience – but it doesn’t have to be! Taking the time and effort to pack your dress shirts properly can save you a lot of stress and headaches later on. However, it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan and be prepared to fix any issues prior to your big interview, conference, party, etc.

Bridal, Family & Love, Fashion

Update Your Man’s Style with These Tips

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Sure, you love your man to pieces, and when you look at him he makes your heart go pitter-patter, but that doesn’t mean he is some sort of fashion and style icon. All too often men are guilty of not putting in the effort to keep up with fashion trends and end up choosing styles that don’t flatter their best features. Sometimes it’s a lack of interest, whereas other times guys can just feel in over their heads when it comes to fashion and trends.

Not to worry as this is where you can step in and really help them to discover their own personal style. With just a few tweaks and tips, you’ll be able to help update your man’s style, and even give his confidence a boost since he’ll be looking great. Of course, just how far you want to take the fashion makeover is up to you and him; he made just needs one or two slight changes.

So, let’s jump right in and check out the ways you can help him update his style.

Overhaul His Shoe Selection

If your man is the type who feels most comfortable in sneakers, and really what guy doesn’t, then this is the perfect place to start. There’s no reason why he can’t keep wearing sneakers, but he can elevate his look by choosing designer sneakers. Take, for example, Givenchy sneakers. Givenchy is one of the most well-known and respected design houses out there, so wearing anything from the label will instantly elevate his style.

Givenchy’s popular sneakers infuse high-fashion, trendiness, and comfort all in one, so it won’t take much convincing on your part for your man to make the switch. The online retailer SSENSE sells a massive selection of Givenchy sneakers in every color, design, and style you can imagine. There are sure to be at least a few styles that catch your man’s eye.

Keep in mind designer sneakers can look just as fashionable with sweats as they do with a fabulous pair of denim pants, cargo pants, and even chinos. It really sets the stage for a large variety of outfits.

A Fresh New Haircut

Another tip is to encourage your man to get a fresh new haircut. No, not a trim that takes him back to his typical style, rather a brand new style that suits him and is fashionable. Just like with women, there are always a handful of men’s cuts and styles that are trending at the moment. Typically it’s a combination of the cut and the hair products used that will achieve the look.

In order to choose this new style, go ahead and book a consultation with an experienced men’s hairdresser. The stylist can take a look at your man’s hair type, texture, and even face shape and then provide some suggestions on the looks that would work best. Make sure when he does get his new cut and style that the stylist also explains what products are needed to keep the look, and how to use them.

Opt for a More Tailored Look with Clothing

If your man is guilty of constantly wearing clothing that is over-sized and baggy, this is another area to address and update. Simply by purchasing clothing that is more tailored and made to fit his body, he will instantly look more stylish and trendy. It’s also a great way to look slimmer and fitter. The bulky over-sized look doesn’t do anyone any favors.

This rule can be used across the board from sweat pants to trousers, sweaters, hoodies, and even button-down shirts. It’s important he knows his size and starts to look for those more slim-lined pieces.

Keep in mind in order to achieve this tailored look it may require just that – tailoring. Not every piece of clothing is going to fit perfectly off the rack, even if it’s high-end and designer. Sometimes it will need to be tailored. Pants are a perfect example as length can be an issue for a lot of men. They may need to be brought up or let down depending on your man’s height. Tailoring will instantly make him look put together.

Embrace Color, Patterns, and Textures

Finally, you want to encourage him to step outside his box of comfort and embrace color, patterns, and textures. Now that doesn’t mean wear print from head to toe, rather it’s about picking one item that pops and adds interest to his look. Not only will this look trendy and stylish, but it also brightens up a person’s look and just makes them appear more youthful.

The Ultimate Trendy and Stylish Looking Man

By using these tips, you’ll be able to help your man update his style and come out looking like the ultimate style icon.