Archive for June 13th, 2012

Socks and Sandals Are a No-No

Socks and sandals look bad on anyone, but women seem to know this innately and rarely pair them. Therefore, I’m only addressing this advice to my male readers. Cos, well, women just know better.

To begin with, I hate seeing sandals on men, whether they’re sporting socks or not. Don’t ask me why, I don’t have a good answer for you. It’s just one of those things. Still, that would be light years better than seeing socks and sandals on a man.

First of all, what’s the point?

Aren’t you wearing sandals because your feet are hot? Isn’t it summer, and you just want to keep cool somehow? So why are you wearing socks? Do you really think it’s way cooler than wearing a normal pair of shoes?

Ok, maybe a little – but not enough to warrant this eyesore.

I think most of you actually do it because you think it looks good. Or at least normal. Let me tell you, this look is about as sexy as a pocket protector and horn-rimmed glasses. Unless you’re a 10th grade algebra teacher, this look is inappropriate.

How inappropriate is it?

Well, let’s just say I once issued someone an ultimatum. He was a stockbroker with incredibly sexy suits. I have never dated anyone with such style, let me tell you. He asked me out and we had plans to meet for dinner. He arrived at my house in a bizarre, ranger-brown ensemble, topped off with… Teva sandals and white socks.

I refused to leave my house until he promised we would first go past his place so he could put some real shoes on. He did. Cos I was not kidding. He would have been talking to the hand, otherwise.

Yes, y’all, it’s that big of a no-no!

But hey, I realize some of you are going to do it anyway. The least you can do is minimize the horror – here are some tips to help you save your piggies some embarrassment.

Kneehighs and sandals look silly. Are you kidding me?! This didn’t even look good in the 70′s! You’re scaring me, please strip immediately.
Neon colored socks aren’t much better. Ok, you get points if your socks match your shirt, but do I really need to explain the bigger picture here?
Non-matching socks are even worse! Rainbow Bright called, she wants her socks back. White socks are bad enough, do you really need to do this to your poor feet?

Please, be a friend and intervene when your mates fall into sandal-and-sock mode. That goes for women, as well, this looks bad on everyone!

xx Isabella

Facial Exercise Keeps Men Handsome

Men of the twenty first century have certainly transformed their regard for personal upkeep. Gone is the Neanderthal thinking as most of them have no problem having their hair and nails professionally cared for and a lot of them have discovered facials, waxing and more that add to their good looks.

Yes, men of this new millennium have decided that they, too, want to keep Father Time at a distance. Just as women have proclaimed that 60 is the new 40, it hasn’t taken long for men to adopt that same proclamation for themselves.

After all, looking as young as you feel is a very nice place to be.

Unfortunately, men’s faces elongate and look older just like women’s faces do. No matter how many creams, lotions and potions they use, facial muscles that are soft make even the most handsome man look older.

Jowls form along the jaw, eyes become hooded and tired looking and all of a sudden that once taut chin has become a real concern. These signs of aging are worrisome and you can expect that your facial muscles will elongate about one-half inch by your mid-fifties.

It is not surprising that some men have begun to explore certain cosmetic products such as eye treatments and masks and now they are beginning to use plastic procedures such as injections that plump and paralyze.

Some of these users have determined that the “paralyzed look” doesn’t really suit them because it hampers their success quotient. How? The passive, no expression-look in the boardroom has its distractions; in fact, the no expression look could be dubbed the “powerless look”.

Most men who have had face work done cannot disguise the tell-tale look of pulled skin, out of place suture lines and a skewed hairline that doesn’t quite look natural. We’ve seen this look on celebrities who can afford the very finest care.

Funny thing though, plastic and cosmetic surgeons cannot guarantee their work. That’s right – you don’t like the results – well, too bad.

The effects of temporary fixes like injections will eventually wear off but surgery is permanent but only temporarily permanent because the muscles that support the skin continue their downward slide affecting the skin in an unnatural way.

These once handsome celebrities who have used surgical methods aren’t quite as handsome as we once remember. Couple surgery and injections with laser and you might look a little freakish, not boyish.

Boyish good looks are a result of an athletic looking face – the words chiseled, toned and tightened describe an athletic looking boyish face.

Let’s say you have decided not to use anything invasive or painful to maintain your looks and you realize that skin care doesn’t keep your face, chin and neck lifted or tightened. Where do you go from here?

You are the ideal candidate to learn facial exercise. Not contortions or girly movements but real isometric with resistance type movements that target specific facial muscle groups.

A work out for your face with simple yet effective muscle strengthening exercises can be completed in just about the same amount of time you need for a shower and shave.

You don’t have to go anywhere or wear special clothing; in fact, all you need are your thumbs, fingers and white cotton gloves in front of your bathroom mirror.

This specialized exercise routine targets fifteen areas of your face and neck and in hardly any time at all, from the inside out, your face will begin to resemble that boyish, younger looking you of years past.

Men’s Fashion Sense Saxony Tweed Jackets Explained

While fashion can be ever changing and certain trends even surprising, there are some simple classics that are forever endearing to those who have experienced wearing them. One fabric that makes the grade is Saxony tweed. A returning favourite in tweed jackets, this is one of the timeless fabrics that express clean style and an amazing history. The timelessness of this type of jacket makes it a welcomed addition to any wardrobe.

Tweed Jackets are Chosen by the Best

Tweed refers to a number of fabrics that are either medium to heavy in weight, somewhat rough in texture and manufactured in a variety of colours. The beautiful textures are a big draw for most people, giving the eye something to really take in. The textures of Saxony tweed jackets have come full circle and are now appealing to even the more modern gentleman with high expectations and impeccable taste. This fabric is an excellent choice for the discriminating man anxious to make an impression, and is often worn by such royalty as the Prince of Wales.

The History of Saxony Tweed Jackets Remains

For hundreds of years prestigious man of have worn the Saxony tweed to boast their stature and position in society. Those who valued being taken as sophisticated and classy turned to the Saxony tweed to do just that.

This type of fabric was originally developed and termed Saxony after a state in Germany. The Saxony tweed jackets are considered some of the best materials used in the fashion world for a number of reasons.

Classic look with detailed patterns
Soft feel that makes it comfortable to wear
Breathable fabric to keep you in great comfort regardless of your situation or the weather
Warm when needed and light enough to allow for great layering and fashion potential
Easy to mix with other fabrics, colours and styles

Back in Fashion or Always in Fashion?

You could say that Saxony tweed jackets are back in fashion, but it may be more appropriate to say they are still in fashion. Held in high regard for those of stature, this fabric expresses a high level of perfection and a royal elegance that can not be duplicated. Wearing such a high quality fabric speaks volumes about the character of the individual man wearing the jacket. Thanks to an unmistakable quality and sophistication it is clear to those who appreciate products of excellence that this is something that should be in the wardrobe of every man of class. Basically, when you wear Saxony tweed jackets, the impression you make will go before you.

Fabric that was once known for its durability often comes around again as a favourite of modern designers. Saxony tweed jackets are no different and enhance the appearance of any man smart enough to choose to add at least one to their fall and winter wardrobe. With so many choices in colour, texture and cut, it is easy to find a tweed jacket that will fit any occasion and any man’s closet. The simple versatility of this fashionable item is a good reason that many find it imperative to have in their possession.