A Guy's Guide to Style by Berhnard Roetzel

Most of the guys in my life live in jeans and t-shirts.  Occasionally there is an occasion that requires a dress shirt and pants but they are few and far between.  Because of this, they really aren't sure what's appropriate style for what types of occasions. Neither can tie a tie so I am the one in charge of this finishing touch.

If the guys in your life are anything like mine, I have a book they need to read. A Guy's Guide to Style by Bernhard Roetzel will give them practical tips and example outfits for a variety of occasions ranging from every day business to casual wear.

Just a few things you can learn about include business fashion, formal wear, cool and casual styles, the basic wardrobe; colors, patterns & proportions; shoes, materials, accessories, and cleaning & care. Each of these lessons has not only an explanation of what the style is and when it might be appropriate, it has an example picture as well.  If they aren't exactly sure what a single breasted suit or Oxford shoes are, this will show them exactly what they are.

This book also has lots of helpful tips on different types of fibers, matching colors, how a suit should fit, the types of socks to wear with different outfits, etc. I really like that this book covers a variety of looks. Not only will you find Oxford shoes, you'll also find sneakers and work boots.  There are polo shirts and jeans along with tuxedos.

Some of the outfits they book uses as examples didn't fly that well with my son.  He took one look at them and pronounced that *Guys don't dress like that*.  It may be his age or it may be our rural location but some of the outfits are definitely less rugged than what we see guys wearing around here. Of course, it could also be the guys around here aren't up on the latest fashions.

If there's a man in your life in need of some fashion tips, he should definitely check out A Guy's Guide to Style.

Disclosure: I received a product or products in order to write my review. All opinions are mine and mine alone. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255 concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising.
 
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You Are What You Wear by Dr. Jennifer Baumgartner

Did you ever see someone's outfit and instantly wonder "What were they thinking?" Did you ever find something hanging in your closet and wonder what possessed you to buy that in the first place? What we wear says a lot about who we are and how we feel about ourselves.  You Are What You Wear: What Your Clothes Reveal About You by Dr. Jennifer Baumgartner helps you uncover the real reasons behind our choices and the solutions to almost every woman's fashion dilemmas.

You Are What You Wear takes a look at the psychology behind what we purchase.  The author examines why women continue to purchase the wrong sized clothes even after losing or gaining weight. She offers insight into the reason a woman purchases clothing that is too young or too old for her actual age. She also takes a look at some of the psychological connections behind our purchases like dressing in baggy, dark clothing when depressed or compulsive shoppers who continue to purchase things they do not need or like simply to purchase.

The book contains a What's in Your Closet challenge where you will evaluate what you currently have, what your past fashion/shopping history is, how you feel about yourself and fashion now, and what you hope for in the future.  After you go through this detailed analysis, each chapter of the book will  address a different problem and its treatment. Each chapter has a real life story as an example and then a look at what that issue might mean and how to deal with it.

If you're concerned about the state of your wardrobe or your closets, this book is definitely an eye opener. While I didn't fall completely into any one category, I found it very easy to see pieces of my fashion behavior in several of the categories. That gave me the tools I need to evaluate what I have, what I'm holding onto, and what direction I want to move toward. Will I change my behavior completely because of the book? No, probably not. But the book did help me open my eyes to what I buy and why. The next time I'm at the store and am reaching for another Dolce & Gabbana or eyeing that Dooney & Bourke bag, I'll think about why. Maybe I'll still buy it or maybe not but at least I'll do it with my eyes open. Read You Are What You Wear: What Your Clothes Reveal About You and see what it says about your closet.

Article first published as Book review: You Are What You Wear: What Your Clothes Reveal About You by Dr. Jennifer Baumgartner on Blogcritics.

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Disclosure: I received a product or products in order to write my review. All opinions are mine and mine alone. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255 concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising.

Fraas - The Scarf Company

Did you ever have an outfit you just loved but you felt it needed a little something extra?  I love casual outfits. I'm not one to dress up every day unless I have a meeting with a client or I'm heading out with friends or my husband.   I'm a huge fan of jeans and a white shirt.  To dress it up a little bit, I love to add a scarf for some visual interest.

I received a beautiful Fraas Scarf in a cute contemporary leopard print that I have fallen in love with. It's available in three different color palettes - pink, brown, and black. There are thirty new Fraas brand styles that are debuting this spring/summer in a range of mid tone and neutral shades.  The contemporary leopard print in pink (#393085) is the scarf I received.  It measures 28x20 inches so it can be used as a scarf or a light wrap.

It's made of a light weight acrylic which makes it perfect for traveling. It takes up very little room and doesn't require ironing at all. Just take it out of your bag or suitcase, shake it out and you're set for the evening. It should be hand washed and laid flat to dry. It retails for $40.  Fraas offers a variety of woven and knit scarves, stoles, ruanas, wraps, capes and related accessories. Products are distributed worldwide via department and specialty stores as well as online retailers.

Disclosure: I received a product or products in order to write my review. All opinions are mine and mine alone. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255 concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising.

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Decades of Fashion: 1900 to the present

I've always be interested in fashion. I used to love watching television programs that were historical in nature because I could check out all the beautiful dresses they wore one hundred years ago. As much as I love my jeans and t-shirts, they just cannot compare to the gorgeous evening wear from the 1900s.  Even today's evening gowns pale in comparison. I love watching how the styles have changed from then till now.

If you love fashion as much as I do, Decades of Fashion: From 1900 to the present is a book you'll want to read. It's a pictorial look at fashions from 1901 through the current day.  Each photograph has a brief description of what the woman was wearing, the time period it's from, and when it might be worn. Fashions include everything you can imagine including dresses, fans, shoes, hats, jewelry, bags, swim suits, and jackets.  You'll see the average middle class woman as well as titled women and even royalty.

Decades of Fashion: 1900 to the present is so much more than a look at fashion. You see women engaged in every day tasks from driving cars to playing golf.  You see poses from actresses as well as photographs taken in real life situations like walking through the park to women working at jobs. Some of the photographs come from Europe and some from the United States so it really gives you an interesting perspective on fashion. It's really neat to see some of the fashions go in and out of style.  Although the book focuses on women's fashion, there are a few photographs with men and children that let you see what those styles were like as well.  A truly fascinating look into the history of fashion!


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Shorts for summer - Style options

What's your preference for shorts? Do you go with short shorts, mid-thigh, walking shorts or do you prefer capris instead?  Here are some hot looks this summer I found on Pinterest.

Source: freepeople.com via Allison on Pinterest

Source: mbfashionweek.com via Olivia on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Kat on Pinterest

Source: wwd.com via MuchNeeded on Pinterest

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Pretty on Pinterest: Purple

What says spring more than purple?

Source: befashionablestyle.com via Margarita on Pinterest

Source: allthatshoes.info via Calligraphy by Jennifer on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Anne Marie on Pinterest

Source: temptalia.com via Heather on Pinterest

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Pretty on Pinterest: Love {shoes}

There are not an awful lot of things I can truly say I *love* besides my family. One of my definite passions would be shoes. This weeks theme for Pretty on Pinterest is Love. What better love than shoes!  Here are a few of my favorites.

Source: tumblr.com via Kim on Pinterest

Source: shoes.com via Gina on Pinterest

Source: shoewawa.com via Ellen on Pinterest

Source: shoeperwoman.com via Ellen on Pinterest

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Pretty on Pinterest: Hot

Welcome to Pretty on Pinterest! This meme is hosted by Simply Stacie and Sassy Mama in LA every Thursday where you can link up your posts on the theme of the week. Each week we will have a different theme for you to find pins you love on Pinterest and create a post to link up here.

This week’s theme is Hot.

Source: sweetcarousel.com via Ellen on Pinterest

Source: discountbootsshop.com via Ellen on Pinterest

Source: fabsugar.com via Ellen on Pinterest

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How do you wear your chocolate?

Source: curiousphotos.blogspot.com via Ellen on Pinterest

Source: photographytips.com.au via Ellen on Pinterest

Source: millionlooks.com via Ellen on Pinterest

Source: plentyoffood.blogspot.com via Ellen on Pinterest

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Prom Dresses & Formal Gowns

Prom is one of the most magical times of a teenager's high school life - at least it was mine. Not only did I have the most amazing time, I got to dress up as a princess in a beautiful prom dress. It was so much fun trying on a bunch of different prom dresses until I found the one that I fell in love with. It's been quite a while since I attended the prom but I won't tell you how long.  Needless to say when my daughter attended her prom last year, I was quite surprised to see how many different types of prom dresses there really are right now.

Sarah had a specific idea of what type of dress she wanted to wear to her prom. We had a very difficult time finding exactly what she was looking for in the color and size she wanted. I wish I had known about Promgirl.net then. It would have saved me hours of driving from store to store searching for something we couldn't find.  Promgirl.net has a large variety of prom dresses including formal gowns, cocktail dresses, formal dresses and short prom dresses. I was very impressed to find both soft and feminine type dresses and some more sophisticated dresses as well.

I'm a big fan of the long, romantic dresses myself.  Sarah has always preferred a more sophisticated style when she chose a prom dress.  She generally chooses black, navy or a deep red instead of the softer colors I would have chosen.  Thankfully, whether you want a long, flowing, pink gown or are looking for short prom dresses instead, you can definitely find something you like at Promgirl.net.

I found a great selection of gowns in a wide variety of sizes at very reasonable prices.  They have a whole section of dresses that are under $100 for those who are on a tight budget along with a sale section. They also have a selection of plus sized dresses.  They even have shoes!





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Pledge your support to make a difference

Riding a bicycle is a wonderful way to help our environment. Just imagine if there were less cars on the road. Imagine how the pollution problem with improve. Imagine how our fitness levels as a country would improve.  My Alibi Clothing has designed a line of women's active apparel supporting the balance of individual femininity and sustainable community by inspiring women to integrate the bike into their lifestyle. They want women to fee beautiful on their bikes.

My Alibi Clothing offers a Reversible Skirt, Simple Skirt, Pedal Pusher Capri and Bermuda Shorts that are all made of a highly technical woven fabric that only stretches one way to allow it to fit comfortably and move with you. They also offer the Original My Alibi Bloomers that are intended to bring the comfort of the best quality padded bike short, to every woman’s lifestyle, by creating an under garment that is feminine, comfortable, sexy, and leaves no panty lines.

My Alibi Clothing needs our help. They are participating in the Kickstart Campaign in an effort to allow the public to help fund the production by pre-ordering their new products. This crowd-funding platform is an exciting new way for people to put their money to work bringing new ideas to life. Since the products are being offered as rewards for the pledges it becomes a win-win situation for everyone involved. Supporters only pay out after the goal of the project is met so the risk involved is eliminated for both the supporters and the creators. With just 8 days left to raise $50k, they hope you will get excited to help make it happen!


Just take a look at this quick video clip and see if you can make a difference.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Mom Blog Society. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

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Win D'Orsay Shoes in the Luna style from Coloriffics

There are a few staples every woman absolutely must have in her wardrobe. She needs a little black dress, a sexy pair of heels, a faded pair of jeans and a classic white t-shirt. No matter where you are in your life from teenager to mature woman, having these four things as staples in your wardrobe will take you far.

Sarah18 is graduating high school in another month and she's starting to accumulate pieces of her wardrobe that will help her as a young woman. Investing in a quality pair of heels is very important. You want a pair of shoes that's well made and comfortable in addition to looking fantastic.

Sarah18 chose the D'Orsay Shoes in the Luna style from Coloriffics. This shoe is a black satin platform sandal with a 4" heel and 3/4" platform that is perfect for prom time or any semi formal or formal event. The feminine straps, accentuated with flat pleating, crisscross the instep to create an eye-catching black matte satin platform sandal. These shoes are available in black, blue, ivory, rose and white. They come with a shoe bag to keep your shoes safe and protected when you're not wearing them.

Not only this shoe gorgeous, it's very comfortable too. Who wants to invest in an amazing pair of shoes to go dancing in only to have to take them off because your feet hurt? These shoes have built-in heel grippers and non-slip leather soles and they are enhanced with leather linings and suede insole cushions. This shoe definitely combines comfort and style into one amazing package.

Coloriffics offers shoes that will rock any outfit whether it's a prom dress or a wedding gown. They even have shoes for younger girls to accent a flower girl or communion dress. You can even find gorgeous bridal and evening handbags! Check out their store locator to find a store near you.

Connect with Coloriffics on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with all the latest styles.

One of my lucky readers is going to win a pair of the Luna shoes in black in their style.  Here's what you can do for a chance to win:

To enter you must follow my blog & visit the sponsor’s site.  Leave a comment telling me what your favorite shoe is that isn't the one I'm reviewing.

For extra entries:

1. Follow me on Twitter @scentednights & tweet about the contest. +1 daily

Win a pair of D'Orsay Shoes in the Luna Style from Coloriffics @scentednights #giveaway #win @coloriffics http://tinyurl.com/6fybvqw

2. Be my friend on Facebook & post this contest on your wall. +1

3. Follow the sponsor on Twitter +2
4. Like the sponsor on Facebook.  Please tell them I sent you (optional)! +2
5. Blog about this giveaway on your blog AND leave a link back to my site. +5
6. Leave a comment on a non-contest post on this blog. +1

7. Put my button or text link on your blog side bar. +1

8. Enter another of my current contests. +1 for each contest

9. Subscribe to my blog. +1

Remember, to please leave a separate comment for each entry. And please enter only in the ways listed above. I reserve the right to delete comments not adhering to the above entry guidelines.  You must be 18+ years old & live in the USA. The last day to enter is 5/18/2011.

My thanks to the sponsor for allowing me to review this product.

As required by the FTC: I received a product sample in order to write my review.  I received no monetary compensation.  All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.

Please note that  I am not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. I have represented each sponsor with the expectation they will fulfill their prize and in a timely manner I will contact the sponsor regarding your prize(s). The sponsors, in most cases, are shipping their items to you directly. I will make every effort to assist you obtaining your prize but ultimately I am not responsible if they do not fulfill your prize win.

Win Activewear from ActivewearUSA!

Today was almost 50 degrees outside! Do you know what that means? That means it's almost time for me to start walking outside again! I have asthma so I don't do a lot of exercise outside in the cold winter months. As soon as the sun starts warming things up, the first thing I start thinking about (after gardening) is going for long walks around our neighborhood.

I love getting outside for a walk while the kids are at school. It's so nice an peaceful and it's a great way to get in some exercise without feeling like you're really exercising. Sometimes I walk the whole three miles to our small corner store and grab a cold drink before heading back. Sometimes I stay closer to home.

No matter where I'm heading for my walk, I make sure that I look presentable. Just because we're exercising does not mean we have to throw on our old baggy sweats and a t-shirt that's three sizes too large with paint splatters on it. Don't worry, I'm not recommending you take a walk in your skinny jeans and 3" heels either. You really need to wear comfortable, supportive activewear.

You need to have a good pair of supportive pants that breathe and are comfortable when you move. You also need to have a top that supports you in the right places. Ladies, you know what I mean here. Those pretty lacy bras you have may look amazing on you but they don't support you when you're walking, jogging, running, twisting or bending. You also need to make sure you have something that's breathable. After all, it's okay to glisten but who wants to have rivulets of sweat running down their body when they're exercising? I know I don't.

I recently had the opportunity to try the Alo Activewear Serenity Tank from ActivewearUSA.com. Activewear USA offers a wide variety of yoga, pilates and fitness activewear to help you stay active. The tank has a scoop neck bra with back elastic crisscross straps and mesh detailing at front neckline and back for quick cooling. The tank is available in black, candy (pink), dark citron (green), splash (blue), and white in sizes XS to XL.

The tank itself is very stretchy and supportive.  The bra portion has a cottony feel and allows for added breathability.  The built in bra is fantastic because I don't have to worry about finding a bra that doesn't leave the bra straps showing.  I love the mesh panel across the top that gives this tank some extra modesty and still maintains its fashionable look.

Activewear USA offers a great selection of activewear including tanks, shorts, pants, leggings, capris, skorts and even activewear in maternity!   Just a few of the brands they offer are Kos USA, Body Language, Bia Brazil, Margarita Activewear and Hyde Yoga.  The usability of the site is amazing. You can shop by sport (yoga, swim, dance, chill, workout, running and cycling) or you can shop by Brand or search by the type of item you want (tank, leggings, etc.)  They even have accessories like bags, towels and yoga mats. You can find activewear for both men and women and they offer styles from over 50 activewear brands.

Connect with Activewear USA on Facebook & Twitter to keep up with all the latest product news.

One of my lucky readers is going to win their very own activewear from ActivewearUSA. You'll get to choose an item from a selection on their site. This is a $40 to $100 value!  Here's what you can do for a chance to win:

To enter you must follow my blog & visit the sponsor’s site.  Leave a comment telling me what you learned there.

For extra entries:

1. Follow me on Twitter @scentednights & tweet about the contest. +1

Win activewear from Activewear USA @scentednights #giveaway #win @activewearusa http://tinyurl.com/455mw2s

2. Be my friend on Facebook & post this contest on your wall. +1

3. Follow the sponsor on Twitter +2
4. Like the sponsor on Facebook.  Please tell them I sent you (optional)! +2
5. Blog about this giveaway on your blog AND leave a link back to my site. +5
6. Leave a comment on a non-contest post on this blog. +1

7. Put my button or text link on your blog side bar. +1

8. Enter another of my current contests. +1 for each contest

9. Subscribe to my blog. +1

Remember, to please leave a separate comment for each entry. And please enter only in the ways listed above. I reserve the right to delete comments not adhering to the above entry guidelines.  You must be 18+ years old & live in the USA. The last day to enter is 4/11/2011.

My thanks to the sponsor for allowing me to review this product.

As required by the FTC: I received a product sample in order to write my review.  I received no monetary compensation.  All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.