June 2007 Issue
In this months Issue:
AAGH....Buying the Right Bathing Suit
Dress Codes for Weddings and Other Special Occasions
Display the Colors!
Home Laundry Tip
AAGH....Buying the Right Bathing Suit
When it comes to buying clothes, nothing seems to cause more angst than the hunt for the perfect bathing suit. No matter what your size or age, everyone wants to look good in the summer. But how do you find the right suit?
First and foremost, industry experts say it's important to figure out your body shape. Simply put, not every style of bathing suit is going to look good on every body. Look for a suit that will play up your strong points and de-emphasize other areas.
Now you're ready to go shopping. Don't rely on the label size...choose a suit that fits.
Tankinis or one-piece suits, especially those with built-in control panels will help tame your tummy. They're also great if you have a long torso. You can also downplay your waist by choosing a suit with shirring or gathers at one side or draping across the stomach area.
Most women complain that their waist is too big. But if you don't have a large waist, look for belted one-piece suits or two-piece suits with piping. Tankinis are also a good option. One-piece or tankini suits in solid colors (or solid colors with a stripe down the side) work well for curvier women. If you're heavier on the bottom, avoid patterns or ruffles on the hip. Look for suits with a high-cut leg to create a more slimming look. Don't discount the skirted look as being only for older women...some new styles actually cover up a bit and still look fashionable. But also consider cover-ups such as shorts, sleeveless hoodies or sarongs.
What about your top half? Women with a larger bustline should look for suits with built-in bras and wider shoulder straps; halters, v-necks and scoop necklines will look much better than strapless or low necklines. If you are small-busted, try detailed or patterned tops, as well as padding, underwire and demi-bra styles.
Try on the suit: Can you stretch, lift your arms, squat and sit? If parts of your body are popping out when you move, or if the suit is sagging or pulling, try on another suit. Many two-piece suits can now be bought as separates, in case you're larger or smaller on the top or bottom.
There's a great deal of controversy about two-piece versus one-piece suits. Fashion experts agree that unless you are young or have a very slim body type, one-piece suits or tankinis are generally more flattering and often more comfortable.
Let's not forget about the guys: For men, the choices somehow seem easier. Here in the U.S., (as opposed to Europe, where they're still all the rage) it's best to avoid the thong-type, tight Spandex or minimal bathing suit, and opt instead for longer, more comfortable shorts. Most men's bathing suits come with a mesh liner and a draw cord. Be sure the suit fits around your waist and that the draw cord is good quality. Velcro straps and button flies are also popular.
Don't forget the sunscreen!
Dress Codes for Weddings and Other Special Occasions
You just got an invitation to a wedding or party, and there's a dress code. Do you know the difference between black tie, white tie, semi-formal and all of the other terms? Here's a quick and easy reference guide. But remember, since there are some regional differences, if you're unsure, it's always best to ask so you feel comfortable at the event. It's also better to be overdressed than underdressed!
Black tie: Men are asked to wear tuxedos (your own or a rented one) and women are expected to wear cocktail or long dresses. Black tie optional or preferred means you don't have to wear a tux, but if not, a dark suit would be preferred. Creative black tie asks guests to stay formal but perhaps wear a black shirt with a tux, without a tie. Women should still wear trendy, formal outfits or dressy separates-nothing too short.
White tie: Not common, but ultra-fancy. Asks men to wear white shirt and white tie with a tux or tailcoat and women should wear long gowns.
Semi-formal/Informal: Also called "After Five" or Cocktail attire, this invite means that tuxes and long dresses aren't required. During the day, men could wear a suit and tie and women could wear a short (but not too short), elegant dress, dressy (not business) suit or pants suit. If it's a nighttime affair, men should wear a dark suit and women should wear a cocktail dress.
Festive Attire: This type of invite is typically seen around the holidays. These parties are generally semi-formal or informal, but are asking for women to wear a bit of sparkle or attendees can wear holiday colors like red and green in December, or red, white and blue in July.
Resort Attire: Good quality summer attire such as nice shorts, button or polo shirt; no flip-flops or tank tops. Evening resort attire would be similar to dressy casual (see below).
Casual: Anything goes. But if it says dressy casual, jeans, shorts or T-shirts are not appropriate. Dressy casual generally means dressy pants, and khakis, a collared shirt and a sports jacket for men.
Strange new categories: We've seen terms like beach formal, couture only, urban casual, Texas Tie and others. These are all new, made up categories so be sure to ask your host if he or she doesn't explain on the invite!
Display the Colors!
June and July are important months for the American flag. June 14 is Flag Day and July 4 is Independence Day. Many Americans will proudly display the flag of our country outside their homes and businesses on these holidays and other times throughout the year. To be sure that your flag stays great looking, follow these tips:
*Keep your flag clean! Most flags designed for outdoor use can be washed in mild detergent and rinsed. Indoor flags or parade flags should be dry cleaned. (Here at Pressed4Time, we're happy to help!)
*When not in use, outdoor flags should be sealed in moisture and bug-resistant plastic bags and stored in a cool, dry place. Be sure the flag is completely dry before storing it to avoid permanent creases or mildew.
*If your flag becomes ripped or has holes, it's actually easy to repair. Go to a fabric store or department and match the colors.
*If you've got a flag that is simply not usable anymore, contact your local American Legion Post or local town or city government about disposal. Never just "throw away" a flag.
Home Laundry Tip
Many years ago, there was an unwritten but ironclad rule about wearing white...it was a color suitable only for the summer. Nowadays, fashion is far more flexible, but we'll admit, it's unusual to see white shoes in the winter (unless you live in a warm climate year-round!). White shoes are great fashion accessories, but they are easily scuffed. It's just as easy, however, to clean them up. You can rub scuffmarks with a paste of baking soda and water, or non-gel toothpaste. If you can get to an art supplies store, an art gum eraser will also work well. There are now several eraser-type cleaning products out there that will work, too. So, no more excuses for anything but shiny white shoes!!