Monday, June 30, 2008

Be Creative to Design Your Own Shirt

Are you highly fashionable that you find it hard to find shirts and apparels in the market satisfying your needs and demands? If you are, you should consider including custom screen printed shirts in your daily wardrobe list. What is more exciting about this is that you can opt to design your own shirt so that you could incorporate into your designs the looks, preferences and personal fashion ideas you may have. If the fashion market is starting to fail to impress you, design and make your own screen printed shirts.

Many fashionistas are complaining that the items and shirts for grabs in the market are becoming less and less fashionable and creative. Perhaps, many fashion experts are finding it hard to find shirts across the market embodying their ideas and personal convictions about fashion. This is the reason why fashion icons and experts are starting to make their own custom screen printed shirts. As the options and choices in the market reduce, you should design your own shirt. You can be surprised how fun and exciting the endeavor could become.

Creativity is the main necessity when you decide to design your own shirt. Custom screen printed shirts are fashionable in the sense that there are uniqueness in them. Of course, different people have varying perceptions and standards for fashion and design. If you would heed the call of your fashion and creative instincts, you could realize that as you design your own shirt, your uniqueness and personal fashion sense is all the more exhibiting. This could be a positive note especially as fashion is all about uniqueness and beauty.

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Sunday, June 29, 2008

Create Your Own T Shirt, Stand Out in a Crowd

You can create your own t shirt in a matter of minutes simply by taking an old shirt and adding something to it. Many teenagers shop at the local thrift stores for used t shirts and create their own logos and designs on them to make them stand out in a crowd. Creating your own t shirt can be a fun and rewarding activity for young and old alike. Some call it 'wearable art.'

If you are adventurous enough and have the time and own a sewing machine or can borrow one, you can start from scratch and make your own t shirt, then create the design on the t shirt. Most fabric stores carry t shirt material and you can find a pattern which are usually very simple to navigate and then sew together to make your very own t shirt. Then the fun part is creating the design or what you want to put on the t shirt to make it stand out from the rest of the everyday, ordinary t shirts you see from day to day. There are countless items you can sew on to a t shirt, such as buttons and patches or ribbons or charms to make a unique and one-of-a-kind design t shirt.

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Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Graduate Image: Interview Tip

Your image in college may not have been that important to you, but as a college graduate you will soon have to put on a suit and begin interviewing for jobs. If you want to get hired in a traditional business arena, you’d better be prepared to look like you’ve been working for years and wear a suit every day. The competition is stiff these days, and most companies hesitate to hire people who look like complete greenhorns.

Image is more important now then ever. Without a doubt, the days of Casual Friday and Business Casual are coming to a screeching halt.

First of all, it is an oxymoron to talk about Business Casual. You are either dressed for business or for casual activities. Secondly, casual attire never gives you the advantage over the competition. The way you look and dress announces the outcome other people can expect from you, and casual attire suggests so-so results. No one is looking for an average plumber, a run-of-the-mill realtor, a so-so attorney, a not-so-bad hairdresser, or a sales person who just got hired and can’t answer all your questions. Got the picture? You need to look extraordinary, not ordinary, when you head for your interview—as well as on the job in the succeeding days after you are hired!

Serious professionals know instinctively that in order to be taken seriously, a serious appearance is required. Most people make an effort to impress when interviewing for a job or calling on an important client because they know it affects the outcome. But what about the everyday encounter? Does it matter? You bet it does! Once you get a job, make certain you continue to dress to impress. It will be noticed, and you will be more likely to attract a mentor or receive extra help in moving up the ladder.

TIPS FOR MEN:
There is a distinct difference between “fashion” attire and “business” attire. Fashion attire is often fleeting and sometimes not flattering. Pastel shirts in lavender, moss green, and sky blue with perfectly- coordinated ties belong on quiz-show hosts and not in the office. If you want to establish immediate credibility and look like a polished professional, you want an upper middle class look. Old money is discreet and doesn’t “shout” with loud colors or unusual patterns and designs. Consider wearing a navy blue suit and power tie in a bold color (red, burgundy, yellow) with small (discreet) repeating patterns or stripes. Avoid large patterns or abstract designs because they look scattered. The whole idea is that your tie must dominate and “make a statement.” Do not wear a blue tie with a blue suit ever. This is a common mistake and results in an “invisible” tie. Consider a mostly-red tie with a small blue pattern or stripe. That way, the small touch of blue goes with your shirt but doesn’t disappear into it. A classic Oxford blue shirt of light French blue will give you a very professional look. A white shirt is the most formal and, therefore, more appropriate for higher levels. If you do not have a navy blue suit, wear a blue blazer and nice tan pants in a khaki color but not khaki material, which easily looks rumpled.

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Tuesday, June 24, 2008

The Relationship Between Color and Mood

1. If color really has an effect on mood, what specific colors impact on mood and what mood results?

Every color projects a mood, there are seven basic colors and beginning with the color red, I will give a quick explanation/corresponding keyword.

Red = excitement, extremes (passion, hate, anger, in Asian cultures, happiness, quick changes (why fast food and sales involve a lot of red). Red relates to survival and triggers our “tribal” roots. Medically relates to anything solid, bones, joints, teeth, rectum, muscles.

Orange = happy outlook, used to treat depression, it is creativity, it triggers our person to person skills. Orange is all about emotion (encompasses the swift changes, choices of red and the sense of self that yellow represents). Medically relates to fluid, kidneys, lymphatic, reproductive organs, urinary tract.

Yellow = intellect, self, ego. (couples with yellow kitchens tend to argue more although yellow is good for dining room) Why? Yellow prompts ego and talking about self, political aspirations. It is associated with learning (think of all school related items that are yellow). Yellow is about honoring self, good color to have around when dieting, helps with digestion. I often drink out of a yellow glass. Medically relates to how we burn energy, so it is stomach area, pancreas, gallbladder, intestines. (there is a reason why McD’s does so well! red creates overeating and excitement, yellow is about self, therefore you overeat and overeat quickly). Yellow is also a color for caution, warning (workplace yellow) because it can be seen in the distance, but also because it stimulates the body to “keep mind on work”.

Green is new beginnings, relationships, color of teaching, very calming, brings down blood pressure. Green relates to flow, whether that is blood flow or air flow. Green is about our relationships with God, self and others. Green is good to have around if you are establishing new relationships, client loyalty, any of that.

Blue is the color of business, it represents truth, honesty, loyalty. It is the color of healing (with green can be very calming and healing) Blue is the most popular of colors. Blue is a good color to have when communication is key. Medically it corresponds with throat, ears, mouth, everything that we use to communicate with.

Violet (including purple and indigo here) is about inspiration, intuition, spirituality. Young children and artists like violet. It contains the energy of red with the qualities of blue, so it is a good color to have around when you are looking for that “muse”. Medically it relates to issues of the head, eyes, forehead, pituitary.

White is what I refer to as the “Christ Light” it elevates any color, so pastels are always calming and take on the “higher” qualities of the color it originates from, pink is nurturing and spiritual because it takes the passion and energy of red and clams it down to the nurturing qualities of pink. Same with all the other colors. Black is what I refer to as a magnifier. Those that try to intimidate by wearing all black are really just communicating that they need direction! (Think of ministers and priests looking to God for direction-wear black with a white collar) Black magnifies any bit of color that is with it, it absorbs all color whereas white is reflecting all color.

2. What is the scientific basis for this cause and effect, if there is one?

Believe it or not, and I now believe it, we have what is now starting to be recognized in the medical community (I know because I am speaking at the med schools and work with doctors, so it is not as woo woo as it sounds) an “energetic system” this system is comprised of seven major energy points, and many minor points. Each chakra reflects certain characteristics that are present within our life, they also reflect different colors. Chakras are cores of consciousness that process our emotions, they are the true integrators of the mind, body, spirit connection. It is my personal belief that the medical community will recognize theses chakras as an integral component of our energetic system, within the next five years. Technology is catching up, and when something can be documented (think of it as an exterior MRI) then it can be studied. Energy impacts energy, quantum physics is also beginning to justify this “theory” but color is energy manifested and it does, will, can affect your mood because it directly affects your energetic system. Try having an overabundance of yellow, I worked on my yellow presentation for Chicago and was nauseous from all the yellow! As a former academic (I was at Notre Dame from 1991-2001) I spent my research trying to prove this WRONG, but it is the WHY of color, there is example after example. I am excited that if it stays on the academic side of explanation and away from the “new age” stuff, it will be accepted.

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The Relationship Between Color and Mood

1. If color really has an effect on mood, what specific colors impact on mood and what mood results?

Every color projects a mood, there are seven basic colors and beginning with the color red, I will give a quick explanation/corresponding keyword.

Red = excitement, extremes (passion, hate, anger, in Asian cultures, happiness, quick changes (why fast food and sales involve a lot of red). Red relates to survival and triggers our “tribal” roots. Medically relates to anything solid, bones, joints, teeth, rectum, muscles.

Orange = happy outlook, used to treat depression, it is creativity, it triggers our person to person skills. Orange is all about emotion (encompasses the swift changes, choices of red and the sense of self that yellow represents). Medically relates to fluid, kidneys, lymphatic, reproductive organs, urinary tract.

Yellow = intellect, self, ego. (couples with yellow kitchens tend to argue more although yellow is good for dining room) Why? Yellow prompts ego and talking about self, political aspirations. It is associated with learning (think of all school related items that are yellow). Yellow is about honoring self, good color to have around when dieting, helps with digestion. I often drink out of a yellow glass. Medically relates to how we burn energy, so it is stomach area, pancreas, gallbladder, intestines. (there is a reason why McD’s does so well! red creates overeating and excitement, yellow is about self, therefore you overeat and overeat quickly). Yellow is also a color for caution, warning (workplace yellow) because it can be seen in the distance, but also because it stimulates the body to “keep mind on work”.

Green is new beginnings, relationships, color of teaching, very calming, brings down blood pressure. Green relates to flow, whether that is blood flow or air flow. Green is about our relationships with God, self and others. Green is good to have around if you are establishing new relationships, client loyalty, any of that.

Blue is the color of business, it represents truth, honesty, loyalty. It is the color of healing (with green can be very calming and healing) Blue is the most popular of colors. Blue is a good color to have when communication is key. Medically it corresponds with throat, ears, mouth, everything that we use to communicate with.

Violet (including purple and indigo here) is about inspiration, intuition, spirituality. Young children and artists like violet. It contains the energy of red with the qualities of blue, so it is a good color to have around when you are looking for that “muse”. Medically it relates to issues of the head, eyes, forehead, pituitary.

White is what I refer to as the “Christ Light” it elevates any color, so pastels are always calming and take on the “higher” qualities of the color it originates from, pink is nurturing and spiritual because it takes the passion and energy of red and clams it down to the nurturing qualities of pink. Same with all the other colors. Black is what I refer to as a magnifier. Those that try to intimidate by wearing all black are really just communicating that they need direction! (Think of ministers and priests looking to God for direction-wear black with a white collar) Black magnifies any bit of color that is with it, it absorbs all color whereas white is reflecting all color.

2. What is the scientific basis for this cause and effect, if there is one?

Believe it or not, and I now believe it, we have what is now starting to be recognized in the medical community (I know because I am speaking at the med schools and work with doctors, so it is not as woo woo as it sounds) an “energetic system” this system is comprised of seven major energy points, and many minor points. Each chakra reflects certain characteristics that are present within our life, they also reflect different colors. Chakras are cores of consciousness that process our emotions, they are the true integrators of the mind, body, spirit connection. It is my personal belief that the medical community will recognize theses chakras as an integral component of our energetic system, within the next five years. Technology is catching up, and when something can be documented (think of it as an exterior MRI) then it can be studied. Energy impacts energy, quantum physics is also beginning to justify this “theory” but color is energy manifested and it does, will, can affect your mood because it directly affects your energetic system. Try having an overabundance of yellow, I worked on my yellow presentation for Chicago and was nauseous from all the yellow! As a former academic (I was at Notre Dame from 1991-2001) I spent my research trying to prove this WRONG, but it is the WHY of color, there is example after example. I am excited that if it stays on the academic side of explanation and away from the “new age” stuff, it will be accepted.

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Sunday, June 22, 2008

Funny & music T-shirts: then & now

Funny T-shirts started out in quite an interesting manner. T-shirts that read “Dew it for Dewey”, with reference to Thomas E. Dewey, who was running for president, became widely popular in 1948. Only four years later, people like Marlon Brando, James Dean and John Wayne began wearing similar T-shirts with reference to future president Dwight Eisenhower that read “I like Ike”, during his campaign, on national TV. These funny T-shirts succeeded in getting rid of the association that people had between T-shirts and the US army, and in this manner, they managed to gain a civilian look.

However, the history of funny T-shirts literally exploded in the 2000s. Humorous, ironic messages became more and more popular as imprinted on these shirts. Some knew increased popularity when worn by celebrities such as Kate Moss or Lindsay Lohan, whereas some, ironically designed, were concerning exactly such characters. The concept of the so-called “personal branding” has a strict connection to the phenomenon – it is a direct indicator of the wearer’s political views, religious views, sense of humor. In addition, it manages to point at those whom he or she admires.

In any case, such slogans are generally more catchy (some even rhyme) than necessarily true. In addition, an extremely popular species comes in the form of the political slogan funny T-shirts, mostly coinciding with presidential elections, but often part of anti-Bush / anti-war campaigns. However, their influence runs deeper than meets the eye. In certain cases, such T-shirts are solely responsible for the infiltration of certain ideologies among the lower layers of society, or among isolated groups. Although offensive to some and shocking to others, they have become extremely popular among organizations as well, which have adopted them as instruments of statement making and of idea perpetuation.

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Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Band t Shirts are often Among Our Most Prized Possessions

Kids might enjoy a funky t-shirts with their favorite designs or slogans on them and the same could apply to adults as well. Teenagers and college students usually have a wide collection of trendy and fashionable t-shirts. Attitude has always been the main designer of fashion, and since music t-shirts provide a youthful, carefree feeling, people of all ages are wearing t-shirts and it is no longer restricted to a certain age group. Many clothing companies offer an extensive range of band t shirts. You can also get a big selection of comedy, fancy and party time t-shirts online. As with all clothing tendency of fashion and shopping styles are constantly changing and so do which style of t-shirts are in and out of style. Band t-shirts are among the most popular of all and one reason may be that there are thousands of clothing stores that endorse and sell musical clothing, t-shirts, band t shirts, music t shirts. That and the fact that these types of t-shirts are so easy to take care of, and are very comfortable to wear. The t-shirt wearing subculture seems to be shunned sometimes because of some of the things that some of the t-shirts endorse.

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Artistic Revolution: The New Wave of T-Shirts.

An artistic revolution changed the face of t-shirt design as we know it today. In the 1980s, graphic designers found a new way to display their talents… the t-shirt. It was the artwork on the t-shirt at this time that began to sell the shirts. This also caused an increase in the cost of the t-shirts. Once what was a few dollars now soared up to 15 to 20 dollars just because it had art on it. Once big corporations began to see how fast the t-shirts were selling, they realized that they could use them as tools for advertising. Hence the reasons why in the 80s there were so many t-shirts with company logos out there. People bought them because they liked them. So not only did the companies advertise, they also made a profit on the selling of the advertisement.

As the 80s turned into the 90s, graphic t-shirts continued to increase in demand. It was then that event promoters realized that they could increase sales by adding customized t-shirts to advertise and promote events. Anything from bands to save the whales is now promoted through the purchase of t-shirts. Think about it… the last time you went on a vacation, I bet you bought a t-shirt that had the name of the place on it. You have now become a walking advertisement for that place. Boy was someone thinking when they started making graphic t-shirts.

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Monday, June 16, 2008

Finding Your Fashion Style

Trends in teen apparel change every season. Because of that, style and fit are more important than durability in girls clothes.

Girls and teens want to look sharp and fashion forward. Fashion trends change every season, but there are certain basic items of girls clothes that everyone wants in their wardrobe. Key pieces can be combined to create many different looks. While denim jeans are a staple in most wardrobes, the style of jeans changes regularly. While low rise jeans with straight legs may have been popular in 2005, within a year or so a high waisted jean with wide legs may be the fashion. While each teen may choose her own style and not care about what is popular, the current trendy styles are what will be found in the stores. To know what is in fashion, either start shopping at your favorite local mall or read fashion magazines.

Jeans are a great basic because they can be worn so many ways. For casual wear, add a t-shirt, sweater or plain shirt with sneakers or flat shoes. The same jeans can also be dressed up nicely with a fancy blouse or a camisole with a jacket and heels.

Other key wardrobe pieces are tank tops, turtlenecks, khakis, shorts, slacks, skirts, sundresses and blazers. The styles and colors of these items will also change from season to season. Skirt lengths go up and down, with both a short skirt and a longer style usually in fashion at the same time.

The quality of girls clothes makes less difference because styles change so quickly. Girls will tire of their clothes long before they wear out, so pick what you like that fits your budget and don't worry about durability. Even so, check the label for laundry instructions. Washable clothes are easier and cheaper to maintain than dry clean only.

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Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Is Custom Clothing for You?

Are you considering purchasing custom clothing? Or wondering if custom clothing is for you? Here are some items to consider.

Are you an easy fit? Can you generally walk right into a store a buy off the rack without too much dissatisfaction? Are you satisfied with just the basics in suits, coats and shirtings? Then perhaps an off-the-rack, or ‘ready-made’ garment is all you need. But if you are looking for more, custom clothing may be the way to go.

Most of our clients use us for custom, or ‘made-to-measure’ clothing, but not all. You may consider the purchase of custom clothing for the following reasons:

1. Fabric choices

With custom clothing you literally choose from hundreds of bolts of fabrics available, whether it is for shirts, pants, suits, coats, etc. Then a pattern is made specifically for you from the fabric you choose. This also makes it easy to coordinate outfits to make you stand out amongst your peers and competitors.

2. Styling

This is a key element for many people. Do you want plain front pants? A 2 or 3-button coat? Deeper pleats? A specific width of pant leg? A specific lining in your coats or pants? A particular type of collar on your shirts? These are just a few of the options available when you choose custom clothing.

3. Price ranges

You can invest in the classics, or literally the best fabrics available in the world. It is totally up to you. Whatever your comfort zone may be regarding price, you can find it with your choices in custom clothing. For example, you can find custom suits from our line anywhere from $650 to $3000.

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Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Dating Advice: Attract Women With Funny T-Shirts

Throughout history men have tried every technique available to pick up women. Some guys use a straight forward approach and others use cheesy pick-up lines.


Lately a new trend has been emerging that seems to work better for men than any traditional pick-up techniques. Men across the country have been wearing t-shirts with funny sayings on them to get women to flock to them. It sounds ridiculously simple but it works.

The reason that the shirts are so effective is because often a woman may have an interest in a man but have no way to let him know. Many women are afraid to just walk right up to a guy and say, "Hey, I like you!” By wearing a funny shirt you give them a reason to come talk to you.

All they have to say is “I like your shirt” and let out a little chuckle and the conversation is started. These work great at bars, the gym and at coffee shops. I've met tons of women using funny t-shirts and the best part is that they've come up to me - I didn't have to do anything. Once the girl approaches you it's up to you to have your game tight but the shirts make a perfect ice-breaker.

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Dress Codes for the Office - 5 Tips on What Not to Wear for Men

Men are often taught to not place much importance on what they wear. There's a cultural mindset that men are not supposed to dress well. They are supposed to be unkempt, rugged individuals.

But most men do realize that the way you look can influence your chances of success. We've all heard that you never have a second chance to make a first impression. Humans are visual creatures, and the way someone is dressed is a large part of that visual image.

Here are 5 tips on what not to wear to work:

1. Sneakers with everything

If you are young and work in a trendy industry such as advertising, or in a very casual environment where you don't meet customers, wearing cool sneakers with a suit can be hip and attractive

In most business environments, sneakers with a suit just doesn't work. You need classy dress shoes with a power suit, and more casual leather shoes with business casual wear.

2. Pants without a belt

A belt literally ties your outfit together. If you're dressing up, it's an accessory that creates a tasteful, elegant look.

If you work in a casual environment and wear your shirt over your pants, you can forgo a belt, as long as your pants aren't too slouchy. But if you wear your shirt tucked into your pants, you need a belt to finish your look. Even if your pants don't need help staying up, a classy leather belt adds an extra dimension of style to your ensemble.

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Thursday, June 5, 2008

The Secret to a Great, Unique Gift

Sometimes it can be quite frustrating. You know the drill. Searching through the catalogs, walking around the mall, asking friends and family what THEY would do.

It's the dreaded THERE'S A SPECIAL OCCASION/ HOLIDAY/ BIRTHDAY/ ANNIVERSARY/ BABY SHOWER/ GRADUATION/ HOUSE WARMING EVENT AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO BUY!

scramble.

Gives me chills just thinking about it.

Don't get me wrong, I'm definitely a subscriber to the "It's better to give than to receive" club. But darn it, it can be down right difficult sometimes to find THE RIGHT gift. Fortunately, there's a way to get pretty close, if not right on target, to finding a gift that will bring pleasure to the receiver while:


  • not requiring weeks and weeks of searching;

  • offering an almost endless variety of possibilities;
  • crushing the "Ho hum, everyone has one of THOSE", problem;

  • fitting just about every budget;

  • and working for any and every occasion.

Before I reveal what it is that I'm referring to, let's talk about what every gift requires, or what I like to call "The 4 KEYS to a Great Gift."

When we start looking for a gift to purchase for others we usually carry on an internal conversation. This 'self talk' is the clue to our 4 keys. As we go about our search, our minds are saying:


  • "I want this person to feel how special they are and/or the occasion is to ME...and I want my gift to reflect that feeling"

  • "I want my gift to be different from what all the others are giving/bringing."

  • "I want this gift to be appropriate and fit the personality of the person and be right for the occasion"

  • "I hope I can find this gift at a good price!"
So, from analyzing our self talk, I believe the 4 keys that a great gift has are:


  • Thoughtfulness

  • Uniqueness
  • Just Right-ness
  • The Right Price
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Sunday, June 1, 2008

Is Custom Clothing for You?

Are you considering purchasing custom clothing? Or wondering if custom clothing is for you? Here are some items to consider.

Are you an easy fit? Can you generally walk right into a store a buy off the rack without too much dissatisfaction? Are you satisfied with just the basics in suits, coats and shirtings? Then perhaps an off-the-rack, or ‘ready-made’ garment is all you need. But if you are looking for more, custom clothing may be the way to go.

Most of our clients use us for custom, or ‘made-to-measure’ clothing, but not all. You may consider the purchase of custom clothing for the following reasons:

1. Fabric choices

With custom clothing you literally choose from hundreds of bolts of fabrics available, whether it is for shirts, pants, suits, coats, etc. Then a pattern is made specifically for you from the fabric you choose. This also makes it easy to coordinate outfits to make you stand out amongst your peers and competitors.

2. Styling

This is a key element for many people. Do you want plain front pants? A 2 or 3-button coat? Deeper pleats? A specific width of pant leg? A specific lining in your coats or pants? A particular type of collar on your shirts? These are just a few of the options available when you choose custom clothing.

Read Full Article

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