Oscar Fashion Review

Halle Berry’s black and gold dress is gracefully elegant.

Love the front pleat…and the earrings too.

Mr. Bond in a black single button tux. Good fit, but the sleeves are a little too long though.

How to wear Perfumes

Whether to don soft floral or woodsy citrus is not the only question when wearing perfume. Are there places on the body where perfume is more effective? How long do various types of perfume last in the bottle and on your skin? What are notes? How many notes are there? Here’s a definitive guide for how and when to don your most essential refinement, your fragrance. Your fragrance communicates as much about you as your skin, voice, and smile, so ensure that it’s speaking well of you.

The first step to find your signature scent is to test them. When testing a new perfume, give the notes ten minutes to unfurl for a complete olfactory picture to emerge. Your nose won’t be able pick up a perfume’s complexities if you test more than three fragrances at once; limit your testing to three at a time.

There are three levels of perfume “notes,” the top, middle, and base. The top note is the initial impression and will wear off within five minutes. This explains why you sometimes try a perfume, love it, and then discover that it’s really not to your liking after all. The middle and base notes first emerge ten and then fifteen minutes later.

Perfumes are strongest on pulse points where the blood flows the strongest, and the skin is the warmest on your body. For a full effect, dab on wrists, back of the ear, nape of the neck, chest, inside the elbow, and behind the knee. Spraying around your ankles allows the fragrance to “billow up” over time.

Perfume lasts longer on oily and moisturized skin, and on skin that has been “primed” with a matching fragrant oil or cream. Layering fragrances will ensure that the effect lasts longer. Layering could entail using the fragrance’s bath cream, followed with the line’s powder, then the perfume – or layering could entail wearing different but compatible fragrances together on different parts of your body.

Bear in mind how strong you would like your fragrance to be, based upon the time of year and the places you’ll be visiting. Light colognes and toilettes in citrus are ideal for summer wear. Parfum classics in heavy florals are best for formal outings. If you’re going to work in a heavy floral and sharing an elevator or cubicle, or sitting in on a meeting in a small conference room, you risk being inappropriately fragrant.

All about Perfumes(part 2)

      There are perfumes specifically meant for the day and those that are specially meant for the night. Many people do not know how to buy perfumes, so here are a few pointers as to how to choose a perfume:

• Try the perfume before you buy it.
• Try buying new perfumes. While buying new perfumes limit yourself to three perfumes, as your nose will not be able to differentiate between the perfumes if you try too many.
• The same perfume will smell different on different people because it will react differently to each person’s body.
• Wait for 10 minutes after applying the perfume, it will give you the right smell after it reacts with your skin.

After buying the perfume of your choice, you definately would like to get the most out of the perfume. These are a few tips on how to get the best out of the perfume:

Do not expose your perfume to extreme temperature and sunlight. After the perfume bottle is opened the perfume will change and exposure to sunlight will disturb the delicate smell of the perfume. Store it in a cool dark place to keep the fragrance intact.

Use shower gel, body lotions and body sprays of the same fragrance as your perfume it will last longer if you do this. Use your perfume as a highlight on your pulse points finally.

Perfumes should be used throughout the day. Even concentrated perfumes do not last for the whole day. You will have to re-apply every 3-4 hours.

Use a different perfume for the morning and a different one for the night(perfumes used at night should be light and subtle).

 

Five interesting facts about perfumes:

• Perfumes react differently on blondes, brunettes and redheads.
• Perfumes rise and if worn only on the face or behind the ears, it will rise and vanish quickly.
• Oily skin holds perfumes better than dry skin.
• Perfume once opened will fade with time.
• Increase in altitude reduces the lasting ability of a perfume.

All about Perfumes(part 1)

    

     Most perfumes are complex combinations of natural materials, such as essential oils from plants, and synthetic products that increase the lasting power and heighten the smell. Alcohol is used as a liquid base for perfume, and the ratio of alcohol to scented perfume concentrates determines what the final concoction is labeled.

   From highest concentration to least, the different forms of perfume are:

Perfume, also called extract or extrait perfume, can include 15-40% perfume concentrates. This is the purest form of scented product and is the most expensive as a result. 

Eau de parfum contains about 7-15% perfume concentrates. This is the most popular and common form of perfume. It provides a long-lasting fragrance and generally doesn’t cost as much as extract perfume. 

Eau de toilette has around 1-6% perfume concentrates. This makes for a light scent that doesn’t linger as long as the more intense versions. It was originally intended to be a refreshing body splash to help people wake up in the morning. 

Eau de cologne is sometimes used interchangeably with the term eau de toilette. However, the concoction began as the name of a light, fresh fragrance mixed with citrus oils and was made popular by Napoleon. Some perfumers today have a version of this called eau fraiche.

While these are the main classes of perfume, other products are frequently scented with perfume concentrates too. Lotions, creams, powders, body splashes, aftershaves, soaps, and other cosmetic products may contain variable (though usually small) amounts of fragrance.

Sophisticated

Fantastic casual blazer. Love the knit tie and scarf. Love the subtle mixture of textures and patterns. Although if I had to nitpick I would make the pocket square a bit more pronounced. This is an awesome shot of a very sophisticated look.

Fashion Must-Haves(women)

1) Little Black Dress

     Also known as LBD, this is on everyone’s must-have list and thanks to the innovative CoCo Chanel, it will most likely stay there forever.
The LBD comes in many styles to accentuate any body type. When in doubt, look for one with an empire waist, which is flattering on everyone.
The length needs to be just above the knee.  
This is a dress that can go from the office with pumps and a tailored fitting blazer to a dinner party with dazzling jewelry and strappy sandals.

2) Tailored Dress Trousers

     Gray, black and navy are always a good choice. Beware of pleats. These are not always the most flattering on many women. These need to fit well and be a length that works well with the shoes you will wear.
If your trousers are too long or baggy, you won’t look put together. A tailor can be your best friend when making alterations.
Trust me. It’s worth the money and you just may be surprised to find out how inexpensive a good tailor can cost.

3) Blue Jeans

     I recommend jeans with a little stretch to them for the bloated days. Jean fads come and go so select a pair that is a solid blue colour, not one that has tears, acid washed or jeans that have embellishments.
Boot cut jeans are the most versatile and look great with pumps, sandals, or boots.

4) Ballet flats

      These are great to wear with a cute casual dress, trousers, and jeans.
Ballet flats are a quick and easy way to dress up a multitude of outfits.
While you might be tempted to wear tennis shoes with some of these clothing items, keep in mind this is not a look you want to present to the public.

5) White Dress Shirt

     Think simple when making this selection. You want one that has a nice clean, crisp look to it. Layering it with a T-shirt or cami can change the look of an outfit with little effort.
Make sure the shirt fits well and does not gap open.

6) Pearl Necklace

      Every woman should have one of these, because they look great with every thing, from casual dresses, tshirts and jeans, to LBDs and evening gowns.

     I like to refer to them as investment pieces because they will be in your closet forever and will give you the most bang for your buck. If you can’t afford them, save up.

7) A-line Skirt

     This looks good on virtually any body type. Watch for trendy patterns, not everyone looks good in a leopard print or a floral skirt, not to mention it is not a classic nor, will they ever be.

8 Black Pumps

    Don’t worry you don’t have to wear stilettos to be in fashion. A two- to three-inch heel with a nice pointy toe will elongate your legs, and who doesn’t want long-looking legs? 

9) Tshirts/Camis

      Absolutely great to layer your shirts and add a splash of color to your wardrobe inexpensively. Make sure the neck line works for you. Most body types look great in a V-neck, but consider how you will be wearing it. Remember neutral colors do not have to be boring, but T-shirts and camis can also add a splash of color to make your wardrobe fun with and show off your personality. 

10) The Perfect Handbag

        Unless you have a lot of time on your hands (no pun intended), which most of us don’t, you don’t really want to have to change it with each and every outfit.
If you spend any time reading fashion magazines you will notice that bigger is better, but that is a personal choice.  When making a handbag investment, choose one that will work with numerous outfits. Often black or brown in a medium size will work best.

Fashion Must-Haves(men).

Take note of the fashion essentials you’re missing and shop for them.

 “FORMAL DRESSING”

1) Black Suit

     Every man needs at least one well-tailored black suit for whatever special events he’ll be attending. Even if it’s a “once a year” occasion.

If you need only one suit, buy a classic black  single-breasted suit. Ask your salesperson for a classic cut that won’t go out of style. That way you’ll only need to change your shirt and tie to keep your look fresh and up-to-date.

2) White Dress Shirt

     A dressy white shirt is a must-have for suits and/or dressy pants for more formal occasions. It’s a classic article that will never go out of style.

3) Black Tie

    A black tie is a fashion essential because it complements the suit. Although you should have a variety of ties, you should purchase at least one, sensational black tie (assuming you don’t wear suits that often).  But if you wear suits every day, you should buy a trendy tie every season.

4) Black Belt and Black Shoes

     One of the biggest fashion no-nos is to mismatch the color of your belt with that of your shoes. Wearing black shoes and a black belt is a fashion fundamental and will bail you out for any occasion, whether it’s casual or formal. If your budget for fashion goods is rather low, buy at least one pair of black leather shoes and a black leather belt.

Classic black shoes will last you at least a year or two (for frequent users), while a black belt will most likely last you a lifetime. Finally, make sure you wear your black shoes and black belt together — and don’t forget to sport black socks.

“CASUAL WEAR”

5) Blue Jeans

    Blue jeans are embedded in every culture, and are trousers each and every guy should have in his wardrobe. They look good when they’re brand new and even when they’re somewhat worn out. Blue jeans are versatile and comfortable, and can easily be combined with dressier shoes, sneakers, sandals, or loafers to make for a great sporty look.

6) Sneakers

     You probably already own a pair of sneakers for workouts or to wear with your favorite blue jeans. Wearing nice-looking sneakers with jeans or any other type of sporty pants looks amazing, not to mention that it’s extremely comfortable. Buy at least one pair of new sneakers a year.

7) Leather Wallet

      A leather wallet  is a must-have fashion accessory that every man should own. It’s practical, enduring and will look great in both formal and casual occasions. A black or brown leather wallet is also a sure bet because it blends perfectly with most of your attire,and is a classic that will never go out of style.

8 Watch

     It’s been said that a watch is the only piece of jewelry any man really needs. A timepiece, like shoes, can say a lot about a man’s personality and fashion sense.

     If you’re limited to one watch, make sure it’s one that can be worn both during formal and not-so-formal occasions. Like anything else, I strongly suggest that you buy the best quality product you can afford, to avoid having to worry about it for a while.

Suit Rules

    

    With an enormous amount of brands and even bigger amounts of fabrics and patterns, it might be a difficult task to find something you like, even with my tips that have my personal preference. However, that’s no excuse to dress sloppy or poorly, but still the streets are packed with people wearing the wrong combinations in sizes that absolutely do not fit them. Because of that, I’ve decided it’s time for some pointers in the right direction.

     So please click on the HOW TO WEAR A SUIT link under the pages heading. With these guidelines, you will always look good, slim and stylish. This does not, and I say NOT, involve personal preference, but these are strict guidelines to wear a suit, regardless of its price. Change any of them, and it will end up in a faux pas. Not everyone will automatically notice, since they’ve been subject to huge amounts of people buying their suits too big, too easily or in the wrong combos. So if you want to make sure, stick to all of them, believe me.

Linen Suits.

       I’ve never really been a fan of linen suits. I mean don’t get me wrong they look good and everything, but I just dont think they’re very practical.

       For instance a linen suit is really a summer suit and only(to me) do well in bright colours, like white and cream. You obviously cant wear them to work and any type of gala(unless its taking place in the afternoon at a beach or beach-side), which leaves you with (summer)weddings, clubs and club like parties.

       They also get wrinkled too easily 4 my liking. But if you want one just for a different look or variety and dont mind wearing it just in the summer(or warm periods), then I think it’ll be a good buy.

Summer Looks(men)

 I’ve always loved the white pants on white shoes look. It almost never matters what type or colour top you’re wearing, the white on white combo’d still ensure you look stunning.