Seventh Heaven Fashion

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People always assume that some of the most important factors when it comes to choosing a pair of shoe are Comfort and the Outer designs.

"Half correct"?! What do I mean "Half correct"? Well, the other half is the shape of your feet. Not many people understand the shape of their feet well enough to buy a pair of suitable shoes. And this resulted to their feet having blisters, corns etc etc. In the long run, you might develop symptoms like "HongKong Feet", "Chicken Eye", which are really bad for your feet.
And I Don't think you wanna have these things bugging your feet.. Right?

Well, let me give you some tips on what you should choose, and own a pair of shoe.

Step 1

To choose a pair of suitable shoe, we have to start with our feet.
Why?
No two pairs of feet are the same. Or put it even simpler. Our left and right feet might not even be a "Mirror image" of each other. Very few people have feet that are a perfect "Mirror image".

According to information from [Wikipedia], there are generally three types of feet:

1. Neutral Pronation:
   
   When someone is neutrally pronates, it means that when he/she walks, they will land on the side of the heel. As the person transfers weight from the heel to the middle portion of the foot, the weight is distributed evenly across the middle portion of the foot. Here, the knee will generally, but not always, track directly over the "Big toe".
   
   This "rolling inwards" motion as the foot progresses from heel to toe is the way that the body naturally absorbs shock. Neutral pronation is the most ideal, efficient type of walking.
   
   
2. Overpronation
   
   When someone is overpronates, it means that when he/she walks, they will land on the side of the heel. As the person transfers weight from the heel to the middle portion of the foot.
   However, the foot will roll too far in the middle portion, and the weight is distributed unevenly across the metatarsus, with excessive weight borne on the "Big toe". In this stage of the Walk, the knee will generally, but not always, track inwards.
   
   An overpronator does not absorb the shock from the Walk efficiently. Imagine someone jumping onto a diving board, but the board is so flimsy that when it is struck, it bends and allows the person to plunge straight down into the water instead of back into the air. Similarly, an overpronator's arches will collapse, or the ankles will roll inwards (or a combination of the two) as he or she cycles through the gait.
   
   An individual whose bone structure involves external rotation at the hip, knee, or ankle will be more likely to overpronate than one whose bone structure has internal rotation or central alignment.
   
   
3. Underpronation (supination)
   
   it means that when he/she walks, they will land on the side of the heel. As the person transfers weight from the heel to the middle portion of the foot. The weight is distributed unevenly across the middle portion of the foot, with excessive weight borne on the fifth bone of the Middle portion, towards the lateral side of the foot. In this stage of the Walk, the knee will generally, but not always, track laterally of the hallux.
   
   Like an overpronator, an underpronator does not absorb shock efficiently - but for the opposite reason. The underpronated foot is like a diving board that, instead of failing to spring someone in the air because it is too flimsy, fails to do so because it is too rigid. There is virtually no give. An underpronator's arches or ankles will not experience much motion as he or she cycles through the gait.
   
   An individual whose bone structure involves internal rotation at the hip, knee, or ankle will be more likely to underpronate than one whose bone structure has external rotation or central alignment. Usually - but not always - those who are bow-legged tend to underpronate.
   

For more information, visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foot_type#Foot_type_and_shoes

Step 2

Now that we have a general idea of which type of feet we belong to. It's time to look for that "Perfect pair of Shoe"!

Normally I would recommend a Guy to own at least 4 different types of shoes.

1. Sports shoes:
   Of cause, it's only to be worn for exercise. Nike, Adidas, Puma, Reebok etc.
   Before you settle on one, determine the type of workout you will do normally. If you're a basketball player, it would be advisable to own at least 2 ~ 3 different types of sports shoes. 1 for Basketball shoe, 1 for running shoe, and maybe a cross-training /general purpose sports shoe.
   Otherwise, a running or general purpose sports shoe should be sufficient for most of us.
   
   Next, understand what the shoes are able to give you. The basics here are "Comfort" and "Protection". Other gimmicks like "Max-Air", slick designs, roller-blade features should not even be taken into consideration if Comfort and Protection are not there. Many people make this mistake here when it comes to buying a sports shoe, most of the time they were distracted by the nice designs and the Sales Assistant's sweet words.
   
   Don't get "tricked"! Comfort & Protection are foremost important!
   
   Another thing that will be good to know is the "Mileage" of the shoes. Why is it important?
   Now, if a person wears the sports shoe at least 3 times a week and runs about 5 KM every time, he would need to change his shoes roughly every 2 years to ensure that his feet are well protected.
   The "Mileage" I'm talking here is so-called the "effective period" of the shoe before it starts to lose its protection and comfort due to constant "Wear & Tear"
   
   Only very experienced Sales Assistants would be able to tell you this information. Otherwise, do some research before buying that sports shoe you love a lot.
   
   But on average, a person who exercises about 2 times a week and runs about 3 KM each time, should change their shoes about every 2.5 years to 3 years.
   
   
   
   
2. Casual sneakers:
   Wear it when you're out chilling with your friends or going shopping. A popular choice for any age group. Converse, Adidas, Puma, Nike, and many more.
   I would recommend sticking with a few colours like Black, Navy Blue, Grey, Canvas White.
   Because these colours are easier to match clothing.
   If you're just starting out, consider the type of clothing you have currently, stick with Versatility and you won't go wrong...
   
   
3. Black dress boots:
   As the name speaks, it's normally meant for formal wear. White long sleeve shirt, black pants and probably a Wide-V neck blazer with a matching black tie.
   Tons of brands out there. Timberland, hush Puppies, Black & Decker, Armani, Zara, Pedro, Versace etc etc.
   
   Normally, Black dress boot/shoe gives people a more serious and composed image, especially if you're always out meeting Clients.
   
   How to choose?
   
   1st, choose a shoe that suits your feet type.
   
   Next, Comfort and air ventilation within the Shoe are the most important things to take note, especially for guys who work in Offices and wears these shoes for at least 10 hours, everyday. You don't wanna end up with "Hong Kong feet" and feet full of sores.
   
   Then, consider the weight and balance of the Shoe. A good pair of leather shoes is very well balanced, light weight, durable and of cause, comfortable and well ventilated. But of cause, they normally command a price range starting from SGD400.
   
   Of cause, if you have the pocket, you can always go Customized. The Shoe maker will carefully record the measurements of your feet and make a shoe that fits you only.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • Shoes with wing tip, are generally suitable for most types of pants (Stripped, Slight bell-bottom etc)

   
   
   
   

   • Similarly, Shoes with Cap toes designs are generally fine and goes well with any Formal wears.

   
   
4. Brown dress shoes
   As the name speaks, it's normally meant for a more casual or relaxed formal wear. Short sleeve shirt or polo t-shirt, canvas pants and probably a sleeve-less sweater.
   
   Normally, it's more suitable for Fridays or Saturdays as it's the Weekends or for Companies which have a "Dress-down Day".
   

Since we are talking about Shoes, I guess I should touch on Socks as well... I would recommend every guy to own at least 3 different type of socks.

Now, depending on the nature of your work, you should choose the right type of socks to compliment your shoes and feet.

Generally, I would avoid socks that are too tight, as it will prevent good blood circulation to your feet. Or even materials that are too thick, it will prevent your feet from "Breathing".

For Office people, I would recommend black socks and made from slightly thinner materials.
Keep a look out for socks that allow fast sweat absorption, or allows your feet and shoes to "breathe" more easily from long-hours of wearing. I would also recommend thin materials and this would allow better air ventilation for your feet. These are even more important if you have sweaty feet.

For more active or Sportsmen, I would recommend socks that allows fast sweat absorption and promotes protection around your ankle around and comfort to the soles of your feet, to enhance shock absorption during sports.

For Casual or leisure outings, I would recommend ankle socks. Try to go for those that are thinner. Because after "trapping" your poor feet in thick and long socks for 5 to 6 days a week, it's time to pamper them and let them "breathe" easily and relax, so that they can "serve" you better at work =)

~ J`z Trading

if you have more information, do share with us! we would be glad to publish in our website.

Email us at jz-trading@hotmail.com

Guys, guys, guys, guys, guys! It's about time WE start to dress presentably as well...

When was the last time anyone commented about your dressing? Did they commented that you were dressed for the wrong occasion? Did they commented about how you should have correctly match your clothing?

Here I'll give you some tips on what you should own, and how to wear in order to look good.

Step 1

I'll start with shoes. Every guy should own these 4 pairs of shoes: 1) A pair of comfortable exercise shoes. Typically, you only wear these when exercising. 2) A pair of casual sneakers, converse are a popular choice for this. Stick with a color like black, blue, grey, or red. You're looking for versitility here. 3) A pair of black dress boots. These are wonderful, and when coupled with the right outfit, will make you look good. 4) Brown dress shoes. I suggest a cap toe or a wing tip, either is fine. Also, socks. You should own a few pairs of white socks for exercise. Otherwise, wear black or brown socks (depending on the color of the rest of your ensemble).

Step 2

On to pants. The right pair of pants is essential to pulling something off. When shopping for jeans, avoid baggy fits, they make you look sloppy. Likewise, avoid ultra tight jeans you might see on an urban cowboy or Jeff Foxworthy. If it tapers, its bad. You want something more in a bootcut, aka snug all the way down, with a slight flare at the end. Also avoid super light colored jeans, a dark blue with a soft wash on it always looks good. When looking for dress pants, you want a pair that sits well at your waist, not your hips. Also, it should fall just right. This means that the cuff of the leg should stop right where the sole starts on your shoes. It shouldn't bunch up around your shoe at all. Also, flat front pants look best, though single pleated pants look fine as well.

Step 3

Belts: Simple, you should own a plain black leather belt and a plain brown leather belt. I also own a white leather belt, but I never wear it.

Step 4

Shirts: Shirts can be tricky, because they're largely a matter of personal taste. You should own many button up dress shirts that fit you well, of many colors. Start your wardrobe off with oxford blue, white, and black though. Polos are a fine choice, because of how they often look good in almost any color. Rugby stripes are your friend. You should own several white t-shirts to use as undershirts, also they're good for working out in. A few pullover hooded shirts are nice too. I'm not talking about the ones with your favorite team on them though. Something that fits you well, maybe striped horizontally. For some reason, girls love thermal long sleeve henleys on guys, keep that in mind. Also own many different t-shirts in different colors, with different designs and graphics.

Step 5

Sweaters and Jackets: In the colder months of the year, layering will help keep you warm, and make you look good. You should own a few of the nicest sweaters you can afford to buy. I personally prefer V-necks over crew necks because you can wear a dress shirt better underneath it. Most sweaters look best in black, green, brown, grey, or blue. Don't let that deter you from choosing a different color if you think you can make it work. Sweater vests are actually really cool, don't let the image of a retired man wearing one scare you, me might have made that look good in his day. Beware of patterns or stripes on your sweaters, usually the plainer the better. Every man should own a dark blazer/suit jacket or two. Black, blue, and grey are the colors you're looking for here. Also, a nice "military style" jacket can look very fashionable, as is evident by their rising popularity.

Step 6

Outerwear: Most men probably own only one coat. I own 6. However, if I were more conservative, I could skim that down to 3. 1) A camel colored overcoat. 3/4s length. 2) A peacoat. Black, Grey, or Navy blue. 3) A tan trenchcoat. Burberry if you have the means, as they are very last word in trenchcoat. I actually don't own a camel colored overcoat, I own a charcoal grey herringbone one, but thats only because I dont wear much brown. Also, you could substitute a duffel coat with toggles for a peacoat, but I usually think those make you look like you're 6. It should go without saying that these should all fit you well. That means the cuff of the sleeve should break right at the beginning of your thumb when your arms are at your side. Also, it should come in a little at the waist. If you wear a lot of suits, its ok for your overcoat to be slightly larger than normal, to accommodate the suit jacket.

Step 7

Suits: I could write an entire article on suits, but I'll just give you the main points here. If you're buying your first suit or two, theres nothing wrong with going traditional. A 2 or 3 button, notched lapel jacket is never a bad choice. Your colors here are black, brown, grey, navy, or maybe khaki. Muted stripes can look good, usually in a shade darker or lighter of the original color. The cuff should stop just short of your shirts cuff, showing a bit of it. If you're feeling daring, go for a three piece suit. The vest should fit you snugly, never loose. With vests and suit jackets, always leave the bottom button unbuttoned. Its up to your own discretion whether or not to button the top button. Never more than 3 buttons. Only wear a double-breasted if you're in shape, and it fits you very well. You want to look like Harrison Ford did at the end of the first Indiana Jones, not every business man from the early 90's.

Step 8

Ties: You should of course own a black tie. Maybe several black ties. College stripes, solid colors, simple patterns, and muted plaids are good; palm trees, keyboards, vertical stripes, pretty much graphics or designs of any kind, and american flags are not. If you're wearing a loud shirt, wear an understated tie to help ground it. Likewise, if you want to put some personality into your traditional suits, wear an interesting tie... and maybe a pocket square.

Well, that's it for now... Stay tune for PART II , where I'll give some tips about things Guys should avoid & things Guys should try.

~J`z Trading

Having headaches how to dress presentably? Well, here are some tips:

First and foremost, clothes must fit well! It doesn't matter how great a shirt is if it looks ill-fitting. It doesn't matter how much a pair of pants has been marked down if it pulls into a pronounced "starfish" shape where the legs meet the crotch. Simple clothing that fits well is far better than fancier clothing that just "doesn't look right."

If you are interested in pursuing a casual ragged, torn-up clothing look, proper fitting is the difference between looking sexy and looking like a slob. Next time you see a man or a woman who looks great in the torn-up style, notice how well the clothes fit them. You'll notice they fit perfectly, which is why the style works.

Some clothing stores are better for the average man than are others. If you are a bit overweight, some of the more hip and upscale stores may not have clothes that fit you well. Keep shopping around to different clothing stores. Very often one store will have an entire line of pants, for instance, that don't fit you right. It's just the way their clothes are cut. Another store, on the other hand, might have a wide variety of pants that fit you. It's a good idea to keep shopping around until you find a store where the clothes fit, they look good, and the salespeople help you expand your style.

How do you know when clothes don't fit well? Often, the salespeople will tell you, though you can't count on that. If you are shopping with a friend, he or she can also tell you. The bottom line is simply this: if you don't feel like the clothes fit, they don't. Don't waste your money, and move on to the next piece.

The second rule of clothing is that clothes must be clean! Because most men are "clothes blind," and can't seem to tell when clothes need laundering, let's briefly go over how you know when it's time to wash something. If it's underwear, and you've worn it, wash it. With shirts and pants, you can be more discriminating. To tell if shirts and pants are dirty, look at them under bright light. Are there any spots or stains? If there are, rub the spot with stain remover (buy it where you buy detergent), and wash. Pants also need laundering when they start to
get baggy and wrinkled. Blue jeans are especially susceptible to stretching and getting baggy. When this happens, it's time to wash them.

The third rule of clothing is that clothes shouldn't be wrinkled! Yes, you might have to iron your shirts and pants, or have them ironed. Cargo pants, for instance, are very popular now, and often have pockets with flaps that stick up and look ridiculous if they aren't ironed.

The fourth rule of clothing is that you must keep clothing in good repair! Look under "Seamstress" in the local yellow pages, and get buttons sewed back on, holes patched and rips mended right away.

Wearing clean, well-fitting, ironed clothes that are in good repair has multiple benefits. Not only do you look good, you also feel good. Your style of dressing will naturally send out the message to women that you are attractive, together, and of interest to her.

If you are like most men (and you probably are, right?) you aren't going to be able to transform your style of dressing without help. Look at getting help from:

1. Stylish Men. Who do you know who has a great sense of style? Approach stylish men you know, and ask them for advice. Ask them where they shop for clothes, and where they get their hair cut. Then go to those places and ask the sales clerks to help you with a "new look." They'll often suggest clothing you wouldn't normally get for yourself, but that your style could "grow into."

2. Women. Another intelligent way to shop is to find a stylish woman who you are not interested in sexually, and ask her to go shopping with you. One of our students had a tremendous experience the first time hedid this. He went to Cindy, and asked her to go shopping with him. He knew she had an extraordinary sense of style, but also wasn't interested in her sexually, so it wouldn't matter if they became friends. She had only one requirement: he must promise to buy everything she told him to until the three hundred dollars he'd set aside for clothing was gone. It turned out she gave him great advice, and some of the hardest purchases to make, such as spending fifty dollars on a tie, turned out to be some of the best. For months he got compliments from women on how great he looked, all because he was willing to commit himself to looking good. "It was hard at first," he said later. "A lot of the clothes she told me to buy, I didn't really want. But it turned out to be great, and did a lot to help me create my personal style."

3. Male Friends. It's good to go clothes shopping with other men who are also developing their personal style. The right men friends can help encourage you take fashion risks, and look even more attractive to women.

In time you will develop relationships with stores you like, where you know you can trust the clerks to suggest new style ideas that will both express your true self and make you even more attractive to women. One of our students who often wears a cowboy hat that looks great on him got the hat that way. "I'd never considered a hat like that before," he says. "But when the clerk brought it over and set it on my head, it looked great. I knew right away it was right for me, and I never would have found it by myself." As you buy more clothes, you will discover
what you really like, and what kinds of clothes really make the kind of statement you want to make to women.
~J`z Trading

I bet this happened to many of us, including me...
You walk into a Clothing shop and see this absolutely, amazingly, drop-dead gorgeous dress!
You went into the Dressing room... Put it on... Look at the mirror... It looked ugly...

But have you ever asked yourself why this happens? Well, simply because we're not dressing according to our body shape...

Whether you want to reduce your hips, minimize your tummy or add a few Beyonce-inspired curves to your slim figure, here’s how to dress for your shape and keep the crowd cheering for more of your fashion fabulosity.

If you are short, avoid wearing: dark knee high boots, pleated trousers, baggy clothes, drawstring waists, puffy jackets, cuffed or cropped pants. Instead, choose pants whose hems fall to the ground.

If you don’t want to draw attention to your height-challenged body, wear monochromatic colors and heels over 2 inches to give the illusion of long legs.

Petite women can wear any silhouette as long as it is tailored and proportioned to their height.

If you have big hips, avoid wearing: cropped tops, mom jeans, clingy fabrics or blouses that end at the fullest part of your hips.

Pencil skirts, wide-leg pants and tailored jackets accentuate your hips, while pleated or boxy skirts, heavy floral prints and stiff fabrics are not flattering.

If you have a small bust, push-up bras and turtlenecks are your best friend. Anything that will add more fullness to the breasts: fitted turtlenecks, halter-tops, jackets and dresses with pocket detailing, will create the illusion of an ample bosom. And what to avoid? Plunging necklines, stiff fabrics and loose tops.

If you have a large bust, first outfit yourself with a good bra, preferably a minimizer.. Your goal is to find clothes that separate your neck from your bust, creates the illusion of a small waist and celebrates your fabulous curves.

A woman with large breasts should wear: v-neck, scoop neck or wrap tops. Avoid things like: wide belts, ruffles, skimpy tank tops, clingy fabrics, baggy tops, short-capped sleeves, boxy jackets, collars with large lapels and turtlenecks.

If you have no curves and a boyish figure, you should purchase any clothing that will add bulk to your thin areas and hug your barely-there curves.

A woman with a thin frame can wear: double-breasted coats and dresses, jeans with embellishments and large pockets, hip huggers, pleating, ruching, ruffles, shiny and light-colored fabrics.

If you have a large stomach, you want to focus the attention on your beautiful face or great legs and away from your tummy. To hide a bulging waist a woman should wear: empire tops sheath dresses, single-breasted coats, and monochromatic clothing. Avoid fabrics that grip the stomach like low-rise jeans, tube dresses, cropped tops and any dress cut on the bias.

Learning how to dress for your shape is not difficult at all... Study your Body, know the Fashion rules for your body and you're good to go!
~J`z Trading

Well, it's always good to know what's "IN" & what's "OUT" in Hollywood...

So, if you're free, do drop by this site...
http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/categories/celebrity-fashion/

~J`z Trading