Archive for June, 2009

Doing laundry may not be the most fun thing to do, but with a few smart tips, you can be sure that you’re making the most out of your washer, dryer, and wardrobe. Everyone needs to wash their clothes, but with a little help from SharperUniforms.com, and these great laundry tips, they can complete this chore easily and effectively – with cleaner clothes as a result.

To Prevent Color Bleeding
To save money on your energy and water bills, washing colors together may be a smart option. But to prevent bleeding colors, be sure to choose only cold water and a cup of salt with every load.

To Cut Down On Drying Time
Like tennis? Throw a few tennis balls into each dryer cycle. It cuts down drying time by 25 to 50% and also helps to fluff clothing to a delicate softness.

To Remove Grease Stains
First sprinkle a good amount of baby powder over the stain. Allow for the powder to sit for a few minutes and absorb the excess. Next, use a grease fighting dish detergent on the stain. Scrub well with a toothbrush, then run through the wash.

To Get Rid of Ring Around the Collar
Using a toothbrush or small paintbrush, rub hair shampoo into the collar before running through the wash. Shampoo is made to help with the removal of body oils.

Professional males already know that the tie is an essential wardrobe piece. Able to accessorize suits and dress shirts easily for a put-together, clean look, neckties offer a very classic touch to any outfit. To find the right necktie for you, keep in mind these easy tips from SharperUniforms.com:

Length
While most ties have a length of about 54 inches and width of 3 1/4 inches, there are plenty of other options that can work for your suit or for your body size. Try to choose a tie that works for you by trying different styles to see which looks best.

Quality
The best thing you can do while shopping for a necktie is to touch it. A quality tie will feel smooth to the touch and consist of three, not two, pieces sewn together. Take a look to see if the tie has any imperfections. Then, examine the tie’s lining.

Color
Choose your tie color or pattern by considering the shirt and suit. Try to complement, not compete. For example, a subtly striped shirt can work well with a boldy striped tie. Also, don’t be afraid of playing with monochrome palettes. Choose a lighter or darker shade tie to match your shirt.

Patterns
Try to avoid mixing too many patterns. As a rule, limit yourself to two per outfit.

Occasion
Shopping for the occasion will help you be sure that you’re dressing to the nines. For more conservative functions, like job interviews or meetings, choose ties that are a little more subtle and classic. For bolder occasions like a party, feel free to show off your personality.

Do you think that you could wear the same dress every day for an entire year? For Sheena Matheiken, that’s her goal as part of the Uniform Project, a charity movement to raise money for the Akanksha Foundation, which helps to educate slum children in India. The project, which began on May 1 of this year, centers around a plain and simple black dress that Matheiken will accessorize into a new outfit each day. Afterwards, she’ll take pictures and post them on her site, allowing for readers to vote on what they think.

She writes in her mission:
“I was raised and schooled in India where uniforms were a mandate in most public schools. Despite the imposed conformity, kids always found a way to bend the rules and flaunt a little personality…Peaking through the sea of uniforms were the idiosyncrasies of teen style and individual flare. I now want to put the same rules to test again…”

To learn more about the Uniform Project and how you can become part of the movement, visit http://www.theuniformproject.com/

What accessories would you choose to accessorize the same outfit for an entire year? Could you do it?

When choosing the right pieces for your wardrobe, what comes to mind? The hottest trends? Comfortable cuts? How about classic pieces that can carry you through the years? Choosing the right fashion pieces to complete your closet is important, especially if you want to keep up a stylish appearance while being practical. Here are 7 classic, fashionable pieces that every women’s closet should have:

1.Timeless Trench
As the most versatile and flattering of all coats, the trench is a staple. Choose a well made style that’s belted and hits somewhere between mid-thigh and the knee.

2.Tailored Black Pants
These trousers will pair with just about anything. Great for going from work day to weekend, a good pair of black pants will be a stylish and flattering investment piece.

3.Good Pair of Jeans
Jeans are essential for a complete wardrobe, but instead of looking for trendy washes and detailing, choose a simple, well-fitting pair that offers a solid wash, preferably a dark one.

4.Simple Day Dress
Able to be dressed up or down, these pieces are a must-have no matter what the season. Layer for cooler temperatures and accessorize to boost the formality – incredibly versatile!

5.Knit Cardigan
Layer this piece over dresses and tops for a flattering look no matter what the season.

6.Classic White Button Down
This is the key shirt to have in your closet. Able to pair with just about any bottom, a classic white button down creates a clean, crisp look that professionals love.

7.Knee Length Skirt
Pick a simple skirt in a solid color to take your look from day to night. Pair with simple or complex pieces to set the mood and suit the occasion.