Tag Archives: appearance

Gender Bender

May 18, 2012

I recently looked up the term metrosexual and the definitions I came across described a man who has a high disposable income, lives or works in the city, is overly concerned with his appearance (e.g. vain, loves to shop, gets manicures, laser hair removal, etc.) and who displays attributes stereotypically associated with women or homosexual men (that is, NOT stereotypical male qualities). Indeed, modern day life in NYC has definitely blurred gender lines to such an extent that I know certain self-proclaimed Casanovas who are so in touch with their feminine side and/or exhibit such a sense of style that every woman (and non-metrosexual guy) I know is convinced that they are gay. I often wonder if they realize that is the looming question every time they walk away from hitting on a girl.

But, there is the flip side of the coin that no one talks about – the Alpha Female who is as equally unappealing to the men, Ladies, as the uber-metrosexual male is to you. Certainly, we all know her though none of my male clients want to meet her. she is more often than not successful, self-reliant, loud-spoken, opinionated and domineering. she may even be hot with a killer body, wearing a mini-skirt and a garter belt underneath but ultimately she is still exuding a masculine energy and a harshness that is just not attractive. and while no guys are wondering if she is gay when she walks away, they are happy to let her leave. Then they turn their attention to the foreign cutie in the corner or the girl at the bar with the soft Southern accent and enjoy being in the presence of a graceful and sexy woman.

Yes, Ladies, another Don’t Shoot the Messenger blog: I hear far too many men complain that New York women simply do not know how to be feminine. and this is really such a shame because femininity is appealing, femininity is sexy and exuding femininity can often be much more powerful than bulldozing your dates, co-workers, etc. with masculine energy.

Unfortunately, this city breeds a certain type of Alpha Female who thinks that power is found in speaking in harsh, loud, strident tones (yes, there is a New York way of speaking a la Bethenny Frankel that simultaneously indicates that the speaker will cut you down to size and castrate you and then tell all of her friends about it). this way of speaking may or may not get results in the office, but in regard to dating scientific studies show that it is not effective as men consistently rate women as more attractive when they speak in a pleasant tone of voice. so, Ladies, why not give it a try – speak in a softer voice and see if you don’t notice a little more chivalrous treatment.

Indeed, these same Alpha Females can often be observed virtually marching down the street, office hallway, etc. when they could benefit immensely from walking with a bit of finesse and grace. just the other week I was talking with a guy friend who commented that he is always drawn to European women because they just know how to move better than New York women. something to think about, Ladies.

Equally unappealing, these Alpha Females are often know-it-alls on their dates. they know everything about sports, everything about finance, everything about EVERYTHING and there isn’t possibly anything these guys can teach them because, well, they know everything. After a date like that, imagine what a breath of fresh air it is for a guy when he meets a woman who shows curiosity and appreciation for the things he wants to share with her (as I have had to explain to some of my female clients, men like to teach – let them).[1] unlike their Latin sisters who typically go out of their way to make a man feel like a man and who know when to let him take charge of a situation (e.g. to protect those around him – a very natural male instinct), many New York women make sure the guy knows that they intend to wear the pants in the relationship and the pants will be Prada. while the metrosexual male may want to get into those Prada pants, that’s about it.

Now please know that I am not saying that women should be penalized for being smart, successful and having opinions. To the contrary, the men with whom I speak are very attracted to women who can counter a fun loving jibe with a witty retort or who can beat them in a game of tennis or golf. Let’s be crystal clear – the quality guys I know are definitely not looking for a doormat. What I am saying, however, is that it’s no surprise that a guy will often forgo this metrosexual equivalent female emitting masculine, harsh energy and who thinks it’s funny and cool that she doesn’t know how to cook to instead choose spending time with a woman who is sweet, supportive, appreciative, graceful, feminine and can occasionally prepare a dish or two.

The unfortunate reality is that sometimes it’s necessary for women here to adopt a tough exterior to survive in the dog eat dog world of corporate New York. However, Ladies, if you learn how to skillfully flip the switch and leave your Alpha Female in the office you will likely see a whole new response from the men around you. as I stated in my First Date Tool Box Lecture, men don’t want to date a man (at least the straight ones don’t) – where’s Jean Nate when you need it?[2]

[1] an additional piece of advice: men love women who know how to let the man lead on the dance floor. By following, it doesn’t mean you are subservient, it just means that you recognize that you can’t have two people leading and dance well together

[2] for those readers who aren’t children of the 70s, Jean Nate was a famous ad campaign where the protagonist entered the ad swishing her hair and singing how she could bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan and never let you forget she was a woman – ah, the memories

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How To Accessorize

April 3, 2012

Accessories can make the difference between a well-dressed man and a ho-hum man. yet many men falter when it comes to selecting and appropriately wearing them. The key is to remember that accessories are the final component that pulls an outfit together, and they need be worn with confidence.

Watches – Most of us use our cell phones to see what time it is nowadays, so what purpose do watches serve, then? they are very much about style and fashion. For the most versatile appearance, select a watch with an analog face, and a band made with a silver finish, or one made of steel. Beware of all gold, as it can look very dated. Black and brown leather bands are also a great option. For the most versatility, avoid watches with a brightly colored face and instead stick to neutral ones. one thing that will never be in style is wearing a mock designer watch. if you want to wear a designer watch, invest in the real thing. otherwise, there are a great number of reasonably priced and very good quality watches that are available in jewelry and department stores.

Hats – Baseball caps should generally be reserved for sporting events, and outdoor activities such as mowing the lawn. but a nice collection of stylish hats is a great addition to your wardrobe of accessories. even just a plain white tee shirt and pair of dark jeans can become an actual outfit with the right hat. Some great styles to look for are newsboy caps, derbies, fedoras, and Kangol hats. Don’t just buy the same hat in different colors — look for different styles that flatter the shape of your face and hair. A well chosen hat is an excellent accessory because it is the last thing you put on, and the first thing people will notice. For a special event such as an outdoor wedding, a nice hat along with the right tie accessories can take your appearance in a suit from average to outstanding.

The Man Bag – The classic messenger bag recently made a huge comeback in men’s style. And now that we are constantly carrying around laptops, tablets, and other electronics, they are really quite practical. Look for a messenger bag that is no smaller than your average laptop computer, can hang cross-wise across your body with a shoulder strap, and has a securely closing buckle or zipper. Black and brown leather are the most versatile and classic materials. A good quality leather messenger bag will look good with any outfit, including a suit.

Sunglasses - Sunglasses are an essential accessory for any man. When selecting sunglasses, if you are faced with two or more choices, always go with the pair that is the simplest. A simple pair of sunglasses is most likely to stay in style for a long time and not look dated. Classic frames such as Aviators and Wayfarers will never go out of style, and also look nice on any shape of face.

Jewelry – For men, less is more when it comes to jewelry. Stick to just one ring (in addition to your wedding band, if you wear one). The best options are to choose white gold or silver, as again, gold has the tendency to look more dated. Leather necklaces have gained popularity in recent years and are a nice accessory for casual outfits. however, neither leather jewelry nor earrings of any kind should ever be worn in a business or formal setting.

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France – Faberge Eggs – Their History and Beauty

March 22, 2012

Faberge eggs are well known around the world for their beautiful, intricate patterns and designs. Coming originally out of France and known for their highly luxurious appearance, they were designed for the Easter season during the years of 1885 until 1917. Many of them were given as gifts to people of high standings during the time. these eggs are world famous today, and are a highly coveted item among many people. they are heavily decorated, often with metal and jewels. they are some incredible pieces of art and are adored by many. For those who seek them, they do not come at a bargain price

It all started in 1885, when Czar Alexander III decided that his wife should have this very special Easter egg. the egg he gave her was a beautiful design that when opened, held some special surprises, one of which was a diamond necklace. It is believed that this gift was given as a 20th anniversary gift to their betrothal. Faberge of France who crafted these eggs was appointed as a goldsmith to the Imperial Crown, and he remained there for a long time. he was allowed freedom in design, just so long as the Faberge eggs always held a surprise inside.

Faberge eggs were created later for many people who hired the French native Faberge to design them. some were very large, and some were small. Today, these eggs are a special collector’s item for many across the world. some of the original eggs did not survive the years, but there are people everywhere collecting them. Many of the eggs were even lost. there even was a Faberge clock that was designed at one point, the Rothschild Egg, sold for nearly 7 million these eggs and the creations they are combined with are incredibly valuable.

In February 2004, at Sotheby’s in New York City, a huge collection of Faberge eggs and other Faberge items were sold together, and they sold for a total of between 65 and 90 million euros Clearly these Faberge items hold a dear place in the hearts of historical art collectors globally. This is even more popular among those who love France and its history. to sell for these high amounts, people must adore and treasure these. It’s no wonder they do, however. if you have seen any Faberge pieces, then you will surely know why people want to own one. they are incredibly beautiful and full of amazing history.

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At Home Spot Treatments For Acne – The Best Options

December 19, 2011

The reason why lots of people are looking for at home spot treatments for acne is that a sudden eruption of a pimple on a noticeable area of the face can depress someone very quickly, especially during the juvenile years. for instance, if someone has a date lined up, the appearance of huge zit seems to ruin everything.

Nevertheless, there are creams on the market that are designed to deal with such pimply events. They can focus in on certain pimples and are able to deal with them overnight. I am not saying that these creams will cure you of acne, but if you can sense a pimple forcing its way to the surface, you can attempt to stop it in its tracks using one of these acne skin creams that are available over-the-counter.

Make sure that you talk to your pharmacist before trying these powerful creams. They will be able to recommend the best cream for you based on the severity of the pimple. these specialized creams for at home spot treatments of acne are used to cover the infected area and to, in a sense, seal it. Once the area in question has been sealed, the strong mediated aspect of the creams will go to work on the zit. never try to rub it all over your face because the concentration level of spot treatment creams for pimples is very high and they could irritate your skin.

Good luck with your acne skin care and remember that although you are focusing in on your pimples, you are a beautiful person and most people will not even notice that you are dealing a few troublesome zits.

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Improve Your Appearance To Attract Women

November 21, 2011

Appearance: One of the first lessons with appearance is to make sure you look your best at all times, you never know when and where you will meet a beautiful woman. Women are mainly attracted to a neat look, they like a man to be well groomed and presentable. your clothes will have to match and will have to be clean. Make sure your include everything with your appearance, women will notice every little detail such as if you nails are clean, if your hair is washed and if your clothes are clean. Smelling appropriately is also very important make sure you smell great.

Colognes: How you smell is very important to a woman, and it is another method to get a different sense of hers tingling. it is not only important to buy the right cologne you need to apply it correctly. you should not apply cologne to your face (that is for aftershave) or on your clothes cologne is made for the skin, the key areas to apply the scent is on the chest, the back of your neck, behind your ears and on your wrists. also it is crucial that you do not spray too much on you do not want the smell to be overbearing, just enough to get her attention. When applying behind the ears just put a little in your palms and dab behind your ear. another important point is to change round your cologne especially when you get to know a girl better, this way she keeps guessing what your going to smell like and gets her really interested.

Colognes that women like:

Davidoff – cool water

Giorgio Armani – Acqua Di Gio

Channel Allure – Homme Sport (recommended cologne)

Ralph Lauren – Polo sport

Lacoste – Style in play

Belts: Belts are very important fashion accessories and you need to make sure you get it right. It’d easy to remember hat goes with what, black shoes = black belt, brown shoes = brown belt. If you wearing a watch there is another part you must match, a silver watch goes with a silver buckle and a gold watch goes with a gold buckle.

Shoes: Women love shoes, just face it and this also means that your shoes will have to be the best. Women check mens shoes straight away, so if they are dirty or falling apart it will not make a good impression. A few golden rules with shoes is:

They must always been clean and polished

If you are wearing a belt it needs to match your shoes

They must not be cheap, rubbish shoes from a supermarket.

If you are wearing a more casual outfit and are wearing trainers as shoes, MAKE SURE THEY ARE CLEAN, dirty, scrappy trainers are a big turn-off for women. When choosing trainers to wear it is most advisable to buy Lacoste trainers as they do not really make bad trainers, even though they are more expensive it does not matter just see it as paying for your success with women.

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Body Lotion & Creams That Are Safe & Natural

November 11, 2011

Body creams should contain nothing toxic or harmful. Because when you rub something all over your skin, it eventually ends up in your bloodstream. so, body lotion and creams should be safe enough to eat.

Here I have a list of some of the best ingredients for body creams. It may be difficult to find them all, but they could make a big difference in the appearance and health of your skin.

oVitamin E
oOlive Oil
oHoney
oJojoba Oil

Natural vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant, which has been shown in many scientific studies to reverse the effects of aging on the skin. It reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and also helps prevent the appearance of age spots.

It is oxidation that causes skin damage. Antioxidants reduce the harmful affects of oxidation. That’s why you find them in your vitamin supplements, but when applied topically, body lotion and creams that contain vitamin E do more for your skin’s health than a vitamin pill.

In most body creams, the vitamin E is a synthetic version, which is not as effective as natural forms. The best source is a German company called Cognis. They only supply a few manufacturers. None of them include the big cosmetic companies.

Then, there’s honey. yes, honey is a great ingredient for body lotion and creams. for many years, honey has been applied to irritated and injured skin, but no one knew why it worked. Recently, it was learned that it acts as an antibacterial, an antiseptic and an antioxidant. so, it can be very beneficial.

A specific kind from New Zealand has been found to be unique. In that the activities mentioned above are amplified. when used in body creams, scientists have shown that it supports the skin’s own cell renewal process and assists in the formation of stronger collagen and elastin. These fibers are responsible for the skin’s elasticity.

Olive oil has been used for centuries to hydrate and rejuvenate. Body lotion and creams that contain it must use a special emulsification process or it can become rancid, very quickly. when processed correctly, the oil is very close to the sebum found in human skin. OLIVEM 800 is the ingredient to look for.

Jojoba Oil body creams are deeply moisturizing, without being overly oily or greasy. It actually helps to balance sebum production, so that your skin is soft and velvet like, but neither too oily nor too dry.

In facial and body lotion and creams, it has been shown to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and stretch marks. both jojoba and olive oils also have antioxidant activity. Neither of them will clog the pores like mineral oils and petrolatum, which are cheaper and used in the average body creams.

The best body lotion and creams will not be found in department stores or advertised on TV. when companies spend that much money in advertising, there is little left to spend on expensive high quality ingredients. so, they use cheap additives and fillers.

The best body creams come from a vitamin supplement company, because your skin’s health is what is ultimately important, not just your appearance.

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Is High Peroxide Whitening Safe?

November 10, 2011

Do you not like the color of your teeth every time you look at the mirror? well, why don’t you consider teeth whitening? Whitening is a process that can give a whiter appearance to your teeth by two ways. one is bleaching and the other is the process of removing the surface stains of the teeth by using non – bleaching whitening products which act physically or chemically on the surface of the teeth.

Bleaching, on the other hand, whitens teeth using whitening products. you can apply Hydrogen peroxide teeth whitening which is a very effective method which can make your teeth whiter than its original color.

You only have to look inside your house to lay your hands on the ingredients of making yourself a good teeth whitener which are:

oBottle of hydrogen peroxide
oBaking soda
oWater
oCup
oMint flavored toothpaste
oToothbrush

You should first mix the formula with baking soda to form a thick paste. Then add some mint flavored toothpaste to the plain mixture to give it some taste and to make it smell good (It goes without saying that this does not mean that you should consume this paste while using it). Brush this paste onto your teeth taking one tooth at a time. after brushing, use a mouthwash to rinse your mouth. you may use hydrogen peroxide itself as the mouthwash as the chemical strengthens the teeth by reinforcing the teeth enamel. Follow this process for once or twice a week for a couple of weeks. Then just a quick glance at the mirror and you can see the difference However, if you have sensitive gums, gingivitis, cavities or canker sores in your mouth, you should not overdo the process. To sustain the results of this easy method to whiten your teeth you should maintain this teeth whitening activity.

Different teeth whitening products have varying concentrations of hydrogen peroxide in them. the normal concentration is 3% and it may go up to about 10%. usually, the more the peroxide, the more is the whitening power.

You should follow the use instructions of the various whitening products carefully to avoid any undesirable effects. this is because, this formula is being a highly reactive chemical may cause gum and mouth irritation. Another side effect is an increase in your tooth sensitivity to temperature changes. However, these effects are temporary. also, tissue irritation might be caused by a tray that does not fit properly rather than hydrogen peroxide. by and large, the amount of peroxide in most of the teeth whitening products available in the market is safe for your teeth.

Recently there was a media hype surrounding a possible link between oral cancer and teeth whiteners in a report by the ADA (American Dental Association). But in the same report, hydrogen peroxide was given a clean chit by a statement that hydrogen peroxide, which assists the whitening process, does not contain any carcinogen. Clinical data which was accumulated in this regard also testify to the safety of hydrogen peroxide as a teeth whitener.

Thus with this safe home recipe, you have an effective trick up your sleeve to enable you achieve that perfect smile.

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Wahl Hair Clippers Keep You in Trim

October 23, 2011

If you’re looking for hair clippers which have really stood the test of time, then look no further than Wahl hair clippers. Wahl have been making an outstanding range of hair clippers since early in the 1920s, and have a much deserved reputation for producing clippers which are strong, reliable and do the job well that they were designed for. If you’re looking to save on hair cut bills for the family then treat yourself to some Wahl hair clippers (they also have a great range of accessories).

Wahl beard clippers are considered by many to be one of the very best available on the market today. the Wahl beard trimmer can give a really smooth and professional finish to your whole appearance. once you’ve mastered your Wahl beard clipper (it won’t take you long, they’re so easy to use) you’ll be amazed by the smooth results. Don’t just stick to your beard, Wahl beard trimmers are designed to use on moustaches and sideburns too.

Bald is an increasingly popular look these days, and many men, whether out of necessity or not find it easier to just take their remaining hair off and be done with it. it really does save any bad hair days. the Wahl balding clipper can make this a really simple task, much easier than using shaving foam or razors, oh, it will be so smooth, you’ll wonder how ever managed without your Wahl balding clippers.

Ever wondered what a Wahl peanut trimmer can do? Well, if you thought it was for trimming peanuts you can think again, after all, how many hairy peanuts do you know? Wahl peanut trimmers are peanut in size but mighty in power. At only four inches long and around four ounces in weight they’re just about the most compact clippers on the market but can perform just as mightily as their larger cousins.

The Wahl Groomsman range is primarily designed to cope with all of your beard, moustache and sideburn requirements. It’s great for that designer stubble which is so popular these days, in fact, Wahl Groomsman clippers are just about the ultimate grooming tools available.

Wahl horse clippers are also second to none in the animal clipper market. they are also suitable for use on dogs and cattle, so if you have a horse which needs a trim or a dog which gets a little hot under the collar in the summer time, get out your Wahl horse clipper and get clipping.

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How to Wear a Shawl – 4 Creative Tips

October 7, 2011

If you’re looking for ways to extend your wardrobe without spending a fortune, investing in a classic favorite like the shawl can create new ways to perk up your looks and style. Whether you’re looking to impress your co-workers, hit the party scene with renewed confidence or just feel good all over again.. it’s time to revamp your style by learning the various ways on how to wear a shawl.

Shawls come in different sizes, colors and shapes. You only need a small one and a larger one to wrap around your waist for starters. With these two, you can reinvent your look everyday in many ways.

A shawl is a great fashion accessory during the colder months. There’s no stopping anybody who wants to wear strapless or spaghetti tops as long as a shawl is thrown in to cover the back and shoulders. It can be as simple as a carried drape or as stylish as a European knot. Even the front knot style can be so chic and only takes a few minutes to do. Great as a shrug, a shawl in interesting colors can instantly brighten up one’s appearance. Choose vivid hues and print patterns that wouldn’t overwhelm the face. to create the shrug look, cover the shoulders and upper arms then tie both ends at the back. You can wear it over a strapless mini dress or a fitted top.

1. Wrap around a small shawl around your neck for a cozy look. It doesn’t only shift focus to your face but also updates your old wardrobe by giving it a fresh, new look.

2. a triangle shaped shawl can serve as a wrap if you get tired of wearing jacket to work. It’s simple to do. Throw it on your shoulders and overlap each end at the front to wrap the body then knot it at the back. It looks so cool and can keep you warm all day.

3. If you’re running out of casual Friday ideas, how about wrapping a shawl around your waist and wear it sarong-style? that bright shawl worn as a skirt over your jeans is another way of boosting your appearance. Casual doesn’t mean dowdy. You can still be as fashionable as you can without going overboard.

4. For bigger shawls, you can wrap it around the body and make it look like a mini-dress. This takes a little practice but you will master it soon enough. use a triangular shape shawl for this. Start with one end around the bust area then use the other around the waist area until the two ends meet on the side and cap it off with a pretty knot.

Although a perennial cold weather ally, a shawl is also a great summer accessory. The skirt-type and mini-dress styles can be used over your favorite swimsuit as well. Whether you choose a one-piece swimwear or a sexy two-piece, it is easy to learn how to wear a shawl over it. You can even play up on where to tie the knot-side, front, back-it’s really up to you and depends on your style mood.

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Sewing For Beginners – 3 Valuable Tips

September 1, 2011

Are you new to sewing? Perhaps your favourite shirt just tore or your new pants’ pockets suddenly had holes in them, and you’re wondering how to fix it? or maybe you know sewing is the answer, but you’ve never held a needle in your life, much less thread it. so what now?

In case this is your first time holding a needle and a cloth in two hands, here are some tips you will need – compiled in a sewing for beginner article.

Tip #1: Sew in the Reverse side of the Fabric

Now, you need to flip your fabric or cloth to the back of the cloth – the faded part, or rather, the inside part of the clothes. this is where you should begin your stitching.

This is to ensure that the appearance of the clothes or fabric in the front will not be jeopardized. this way, when you wear your fixed clothes, no one can see your stitching clearly, even though it was the worst stitching you’ve done in your life.

Beware of back stitching, though. You may want to exercise extra caution on where to sew if you want your decorative sewing to be seen.

Tip #2: Have a Sewing Kit

Keep all of your sewing tools in once safe place. You may put all your sewing tools in a tin or a box to prevent your needles from getting lost, and to keep the order of things. just ensure that your container is big enough for all the threads that you have. for beginners, the container may not be so big and heavy.

Most professional tailors have containers of the range of a shelf to a few rooms, depending on their needs. their containers get so big only because they frequently use their sewing tools and sewing take a large part of their interests. so you don’t have to get a large container for your sewing tools if you’re just starting out.

Tip #3: correct Usage

Even if you are a beginner, make sure that your sewing tools are only for sewing. this is to ensure your tools have a longer usage life and to minimize the accidents that might occur because you didn’t use them correctly.

For example, sewing scissors and shears should only be used for cutting cloth or fabric. They should never be used for cutting plastics, paper, foils or even threads should you extend their use beyond cutting cloth, you may find that your scissors or shears becoming blunt fast.

With these tips, you are bound to make good progress when you actually try your hand at sewing for beginners. Not only will you improve the appearance of the end product, you would also be able to keep things organized and increase the shelf life of your sewing tools.

Sewing for beginners is ultimately, a little difficult at first. However, as you progress and accustom yourself to sewing, you will find yourself trying more and more difficult projects until you become an expert at sewing

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